Lamine Yamal hired dwarfs to provide services at his 18th birthday party, which has sparked huge controversy.
Meanwhile, a mural of his in Barcelona has been defaced... with the "Seven Dwarfs" from Disney animated films added to the image.
The highly anticipated birthday party for the 18-year-old prodigy, who has rapidly risen to prominence as one of football’s most exciting young talents, was meant to mark a milestone in his burgeoning career. However, details of the event quickly drew backlash, with critics arguing that hiring individuals with dwarfism for entertainment purposes perpetuates harmful stereotypes and treats the community as objects of spectacle rather than equals. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions, as many netizens and advocacy groups voiced concerns that such a choice risks trivializing the experiences of people with dwarfism and reinforcing outdated, offensive tropes.
Adding fuel to the fire, a mural dedicated to Yamal in Barcelona has been targeted in an apparent act of vandalism linked to the controversy. The artwork, located in a popular neighborhood where the young forward is celebrated as a local hero, was defaced over the weekend—with graffiti artists adding depictions of Disney’s "Seven Dwarfs" to the original painting. The addition, clearly a reference to the birthday party uproar, has been interpreted by many as a satirical jab at the ongoing controversy, though it has further divided public opinion. Some view it as a harmless 调侃 (teasing), while others condemn it as a disrespectful escalation that compounds the initial issue.
As of now, neither Yamal nor his representatives have publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the birthday party or the mural defacement. The incident has reignited conversations about cultural sensitivity in high-profile events and the responsibilities of public figures, especially young athletes with significant influence, to avoid actions that may inadvertently marginalize or offend vulnerable groups. With the debate showing no signs of abating, all eyes are on how the situation will unfold as the footballing world grapples with the balance between celebration and respect.
