Spain's Ministry of Social Rights has asked prosecutors to investigate the circumstances surrounding Barcelona footballer Lamino Jamal's 18th birthday party after it was reported that he hired dwarfs for the party, the BBC reported today.
The party was held on Sunday at a rented villa in Olivela, 50 kilometers northwest of Barcelona, and was attended by influencers, YouTubers and some of Jamal's teammates from Barcelona.
According to reports, Jamal hired performers with achondroplasia, which the Association of Individuals with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) called "unacceptable in the 21st century."
"The ADEE association filed a complaint, so the Ministry asked the Prosecutor's Office to investigate whether laws were violated and the rights of people with disabilities were thereby endangered," the Ministry of Social Rights told AFP.
ADEE has publicly condemned the use of dwarfs for entertainment purposes, stating that it "encourages stereotypes, incites discrimination and violates the dignity and rights of people with disabilities."
The statement points out that "this practice violates not only the law, but also the basic ethical values of a society that strives for equality and respect. The General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities expressly prohibits the depiction of persons with disabilities for entertainment purposes that provoke ridicule or humiliation."
On the other hand, Radio Station RAC1 broadcast a statement from a dwarf who claims to have been one of the performers at the party and who came to the defense of the young footballer.
"No one belittled us, we worked in peace. We are ordinary people doing what we love, and in a completely legal way," said the contractor, who wished to remain anonymous.
"We work as entertainers. Why shouldn't we be able to work? Because of our physical appearance? We know our limits and we never cross them. We are not circus attractions," the performer added.
The performer added that the performance lasted one hour, and then the entertainers joined the guests.
"We dance, we serve drinks, we do magic tricks... there are many different performances. Everyone had a great time," he concluded.
Barcelona Football Club told the BBC that it was "not in a position to comment on an event that falls within the private sphere", but added that it would review its position once it had obtained "concrete information".
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
