On July 14 local time, a performer with dwarfism who had appeared at Yamal's birthday party gave an interview to Camel Live.
The performer stated, “The ADEE (Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasia-Related Dwarfism) is publicly shaming us. We are self-employed, hired through legal channels, and even signed a confidentiality agreement. We provide entertainment services like any other workers, and we do this job with dignity.”
The performer continued, “People at the party treated us like any other professionals. We danced, passed out small drinks, and performed magic tricks. It was just an ordinary party.”
The performer expressed regret that ADEE's accusations had directly impacted the livelihoods of many people with dwarfism.
"ADEE wants to paint us as victims, but our only demand is to just let us work properly. What they’re doing now is mocking and demeaning our labor. It’s the association’s president who has an inferiority complex, not us," the performer said.
The performer insisted, “Throughout the event, there was no mocking or ridicule whatsoever. We have clear boundaries. If there had been any disrespect, the performance would have stopped immediately, and we would have left. But that wasn’t the case here. We had fun like everyone else. The performance lasted an hour, after which they continued with the party.”
“Yamal was very respectful to me; he was like any other client. These remarks from the outside are pointless attacks on him and our work.”
When faced with accusations that such performances reinforce harmful stereotypes, the performer responded firmly, “We’re not monkeys in a circus. We have boundaries and know where they lie. I’m a performer, and that identity isn’t limited by my physical condition. Why shouldn’t I be able to do this job just because of my appearance?”
The performer also made it clear that their services are regularly hired by businesses, nightclubs, and private events.
“They contact us, we give a quote, sign a contract, and then work on the same terms as any other artist or performer. We haven’t done anything illegal. The real injustice is that they want to ban us from making a living with dignity.”
Meanwhile, the Spanish government has announced it will investigate the situation, and if it is confirmed that there was illegal use of people with disabilities in public performances, legal action will not be ruled out.
