Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona star, who turned 18, has found himself in the middle of a massive controversy after reports emerged that entertainers with dwarfism were hired for his recent 18th birthday celebration. Footage has been circulating on social media that appears to show several dwarfs leaving Yamal's mafia-themed birthday party. This has sparked concerns within Spain's government, which is now taking a closer look at the event and prompting strong objections from a Spanish disability rights group. The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) issued a statement condemning the act: "We condemn and publicly denounce the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment at the recent 18th birthday party of soccer player Lamine Yamal. The Association announces that it will take legal and social action to safeguard the dignity of people with disabilities, considering that these actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful. During the birthday of the young footballer, a prominent figure in Spanish sport, people with dwarfism were hired solely for entertainment and promotional activities. ADEE considers this type of practice intolerable because it perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights of those with achondroplasia or other skeletal dysplasias, as well as all people with disabilities," it added. ADEE President Carolina Puente pointed out: "It's unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism continue to be used as entertainment at private parties, and even more serious when these incidents involve public figures like Lamine Yamal. The dignity and rights of our community are not entertainment for anyone, under any circumstances." However, one of the entertainers at the party has come forward to defend their work, insisting they were treated fairly and that ADEE's criticism is unwarranted. "No one disrespected us, let us work in peace. I don't understand why there's so much hype," the performer told RAC1. "We're normal people who do what we want, in an absolutely legal way." The artist also hit back at the Association, accusing it of trying to limit the employment opportunities of people with dwarfism. "ADEE is humiliating people with dwarfism. They want to ban a job that we like, and in no case have they offered jobs or courses to the affected people," he said. "We work as entertainers. Why can't we do it? Because of our physical condition?" He further claimed that the backlash was more about internal politics within ADEE than the event itself. "There is a new president who feels self-conscious and wants to screw us others. We know what our limit is and we will never exceed it: we are not fairground monkeys." Describing their role at the party, he added: "We danced, served drinks, and performed magic. Afterwards, we joined the rest of the party like everyone else. The only reason there's backlash is because it was Lamine Yamal's party."