Julio Iglesias denies sexual abuse as Spanish Court Opens Investigation

Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has strongly denied allegations of sexual assault made by two former female employees, as Spain’s National Court reviews a legal complaint linked to events alleged to have occurred outside the country.

The 82-year-old artist responded to the accusations in a statement posted on Instagram, rejecting the claims and expressing sadness over the situation. “I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me,” Iglesias said, stressing that he has always treated those who worked with him with respect.

The allegations were first reported earlier this week and involve two women who were employed at Iglesias’s properties in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. One worked as a domestic employee, while the other was a physiotherapist. The women allege that they were subjected to sexual and other forms of abuse during their employment.

According to the complaint, the women worked at the singer’s Caribbean residences for about 10 months in 2021, which is the period during which the alleged incidents are said to have taken place. On 5 January, they filed a legal complaint with Spain’s National Court, which has jurisdiction over serious crimes allegedly committed beyond Spanish borders.

The complaint includes accusations of sexual assault and human trafficking. Advocacy organisations Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International, which are supporting the complainants, said the alleged acts could constitute crimes related to sexual freedom and human trafficking for the purpose of forced labour under Spanish law.

Testimony gathered by the organisations alleges that the women were subjected to sexual harassment, had their mobile phones monitored, faced restrictions on leaving the properties where they worked, and were required to work long hours without days off. Women’s Link Worldwide described the complainants as young Latin American women in vulnerable situations who were heavily dependent on their wages due to their economic and social circumstances.

Iglesias has not been charged with any offence, and no judicial conclusions have been reached. The case remains under preliminary review as the court examines the complaint and accompanying evidence.