Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has finally spoken out regarding the controversy that trailed his 18th birthday celebration earlier this summer, following accusations that he demeaned people with dwarfism and selected women based on their body measurements.
Widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, Yamal made headlines off the pitch after his lavish July party, attended by about 200 guests including teammates, friends, and family.
Soon after the event, reports circulated that individuals with Achondroplasia had been hired as waiters, sparking outrage from disability advocates and drawing condemnation from Spain’s General Director of Disability, Jesús Martín.
Adding to the storm, model Claudia Calvo alleged that Yamal had arranged for 12 women with a specific breast size to be part of the party’s ‘Mafia’ theme.
Despite the backlash, the teenager opted for silence, until now.
Speaking nearly two months later on Spanish programme Resonancia de Corazon (via Daily Mail), Yamal admitted he was more amused than alarmed by the criticism.
“I wasn’t mad,’ the 18-year-old said. ‘I found it funny.
“They tried to smear it in many ways. A woman said I chose the girls one way or another, and it was all a lie.
“Then there was the thing about the waiters, who were working there.”
The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism warned of possible legal action over the alleged hiring, while Martín pushed for ministers to authorise an investigation.
“We are concerned that people with money, people with power, believe themselves to be unpunished. The law is for everyone, for the humble and for the powerful,” Martín told Marca.
He further stressed concern over the influence such behaviour might have on impressionable young fans who idolise Yamal and could imitate his actions.
