Lamine Yamal targeted in bizarre vandalism incident involving Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs

On July 13, Lamine Yamal celebrated his 18th birthday with a high-profile party that quickly turned controversial. The FC Barcelona and Spanish national team forward rented out a mansion for the celebration, which featured artists, influencers, and fellow soccer players as guests.

However, reports surfaced that individuals with dwarfism had been hired for entertainment purposes, prompting backlash and a formal complaint from ADEE (the Spanish Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias).

ADEE considered the act discriminatory, stating that hiring individuals with dwarfism as party entertainment is demeaning and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The criticism added fuel to the growing debate over how public figures—especially young athletes like Yamal—should behave off the field.

The situation escalated further in recent days when a mural of Yamal in Barcelona’s Plaza Vila Joanic was vandalized. Originally painted by artist TVBoy in July 2025 to honor Yamal’s 18th birthday, the mural depicted him as Superman, replacing the iconic “S” with an “L” for his initial. But the updated version featured the Seven Dwarfs from Snow White, a clear protest in reference to the birthday party controversy.

ADEE speaks out

ADEE issued a strong statement condemning the use of people with dwarfism for entertainment, calling the practice unacceptable and discriminatory. The organization argued that such acts reinforce negative stereotypes and violate the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities.

Carolina Puente, president of ADEE, emphasized the issue: “It is completely unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism are still being used as party props. What’s even more concerning is that this involves a high-profile figure like Lamine Yamal. Our dignity and rights are not anyone’s form of amusement—under any circumstances.”

Though Yamal continues to shine on the field and is seen as one of the top candidates for the Ballon d’Or, this off-field controversy has cast a shadow over his rising star. While many hoped the mural would highlight his footballing greatness, the backlash serves as a reminder that public figures are also held to high standards off the pitch.