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.

A key development has emerged in the high-profile murder case involving Nick Reiner, the son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, after his lead defence lawyer formally withdrew from representing him in court.

Alan Jackson, a prominent attorney known for handling major celebrity cases, removed himself from the case during a brief hearing at Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday. Although no detailed explanation was provided, Jackson later stated that his decision was driven by circumstances beyond the control of both himself and his client.

“Circumstances beyond my control, but more importantly circumstances beyond Nick’s control, have made it impossible for us to continue our representation,” Jackson told reporters outside the courthouse. He added that he was “legally and ethically prohibited” from explaining the specific reasons behind the withdrawal. Despite stepping aside, Jackson emphasised that he believed Reiner was innocent of the charges.

Nick Reiner, 32, is accused of the first-degree murders of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. He did not enter a plea during the court appearance, which was procedural in nature and lasted only a short time. Following Jackson’s withdrawal, the court confirmed that Reiner will now be represented by a public defender as the case moves forward.

The charges stem from the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found with stab wounds in the bedroom of their Brentwood home in Los Angeles on 14 December. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the prominence of the family and the seriousness of the allegations.

While the defence has maintained Reiner’s innocence, prosecutors struck a firm tone after the hearing. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the prosecution remained confident in its case. “We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murder of his parents,” Hochman told reporters.

Despite the starkly opposing positions of the defence and prosecution, legal experts note that a change in representation does not alter the presumption of innocence afforded to the accused. The appointment of a public defender ensures continuity in the legal process and allows the case to proceed without delay.

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the imprisoned rapper and music mogul, is expected to face more than 10 additional civil lawsuits in the coming days, according to attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents multiple accusers.

Buzbee made the announcement while filing a fresh lawsuit in New York on behalf of an unnamed 23-year-old male accuser. The plaintiff alleges he was drugged and sexually assaulted by Combs in 2015 after performing at a nightclub event the rapper attended. According to the lawsuit, the young performer was hoping to secure a deal with Combs’ record label, Bad Boy Records, when he was invited to an afterparty. He claims he was given a drink that left him disoriented and later woke up to being assaulted.

Combs, who is already facing more than 30 civil lawsuits over similar allegations, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He is also awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty. His legal team has not yet responded to the latest allegations.

Buzbee, a high-profile Texas attorney, has been instrumental in multiple cases against Combs over the past year. He stated that he intends to file more than 10 additional lawsuits before the March 1 deadline for New York’s special law, which temporarily allows victims of past sexual abuse to file civil claims regardless of expired statutes of limitations.