Model invited to Lamine Yamal's birthday party 'refused to attend' over 'weird demands'

A model who claims she was invited to Lamine Yamal's birthday party has insisted she refused to attend due to bizarre demands.

Yamal's 18th birthday party took place on Saturday night (July 12) as the Barcelona superstar celebrated reaching the landmark in style. However, the event surrounded by secrecy is alleged to have made controversial specific requirements.

Model Claudio Calvo, who was Miss Teenager Spain 2021 and Miss Teenager Europe 2022, alleged that she was contacted by the organisers of the party to invite her to attend, and also recruit 12 other girls who met certain physical standards.

She claimed via Spanish outlet Extra: "They focused mainly on breast size or hair colour, whether they were blonde." The request reportedly included that organisers were looking for "models or escorts," something that made her uncomfortable and led to her rejecting the offer.

Claudia added: "Since I've been a nightclub waitress, I've met a few girls.

"I told them I was looking for these girls, and they said they were interested, but I mentioned that the organisers weren't giving me any assurances about whether they should have any contact with any of the people who would be at the party."

Strict rules are also alleged to have been imposed with a ban on the use of phones or cameras and a zero tolerance on drug use.

The party is said to have been held on a boat, and the location was kept secret until the last minute. Claudia admitted: "I don't even know where the ship is going to sail."

Claudia continued to claim that organisers were offering each selected girl $17,500 (£12,975) for 24 hours, as well as an exclusive credit card for spending during the celebration.

Yamal was spotted with his family and friends on the Mediterranean coast enjoying the occasion. He was joined by Barcelona team-mates Gavi and Alejandro Balde alongside Spanish influencers and musicians Bizarrap, Duki, Ozuna and Bad Gyal.

However, the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) released a statement accusing Yamal of "hiring people with dwarfism as part of entertainment".

A statement, translated from Spanish to English, said: "The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), a member organization of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), condemns and publicly denounces 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."

ADEE President Carolina Puente added: "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."