Lamine Yamal has publicly addressed allegations surrounding his July 18th birthday celebration, denying claims that he exploited people with dwarfism or hired women on the basis of physical measurements.
Speaking to Spanish programme Resonancia de Corazon nearly two months after the event, the Barcelona forward said he found much of the post-party controversy "funny" and called some of the allegations "lies." "I wasn't mad," Yamal 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."
Reports in Spain said about 200 people attended the "mafia"-themed party, including friends, family and team-mates. Subsequent media reports and social media posts alleged that people with achondroplasia had been hired as waitstaff and that models had been contracted on the basis of physical attributes, prompting condemnation from disability groups and a call for investigation from a government official.
The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) threatened legal action over the alleged hiring practices. Jesús Martín, general director for disability in the Spanish government, said ministers should consider an inquiry. Martín told Marca that the government was concerned about people with power believing they are "unpunished" and warned that such events could influence young fans who look up to high-profile athletes.
Spanish model Claudia Calvo, a former Miss Teenager Spain and Miss Teenager Europe, told Tardear TV that she had been approached to attend the party and that organisers offered fees between €10,000 and €20,000 for 24-hour availability. Calvo said she withdrew after seeing a list of demands and alleged organisers sought "blonde girls with a certain breast size," describing the recruitment as seeking "models or escorts." Calvo said she had screenshots of the conversations supporting her account.
Yamal, who came through Barcelona's La Masia academy, has continued to feature for his club since the controversy. He scored twice in Barcelona's opening LaLiga matches and, during the international break, provided three assists in Spain's World Cup qualifying fixtures against Bulgaria and Turkey.
The teenager has also attracted attention for his personal life. He and Argentine rapper Nicki Nicole, 25, confirmed their relationship publicly in August. Nicole attended the birthday party and later said she was "very much in love" while speaking at a fashion event. A video shared by Spain team-mate Nico Williams showed Yamal smiling and displaying a phone screensaver featuring Nicole, a clip Williams posted with the caption, "Mi filho está in love." Reports of a brief split were later contradicted by the video and subsequent public appearances.
None of the principal parties has reported criminal charges arising from the event in public statements. Yamal's comments to Resonancia de Corazon mark his first public response since the allegations surfaced. Organisers and other attendees have not issued comprehensive public accounts addressing all claims, and ADEE and Spanish government representatives have urged further attention to how people with disabilities are treated in private and public events.
The episode highlights tensions that can follow high-profile celebrations involving young sports stars, drawing scrutiny from advocacy groups, the media and public officials. Yamal remains a regular starter for Barcelona and a contributor to Spain's national team as investigations or formal complaints referenced in media reports have not been publicly confirmed as proceeding to prosecution or regulatory action.