In brief
Julio Iglesias, the renowned Spanish singer, has asserted his innocence in response to sexual assault allegations brought forth by two former employees. The accusations suggest a culture of coercion and intimidation at his properties in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic. Iglesias emphatically denied the claims via social media, expressing his sadness and desire to defend his dignity. The allegations are under investigation by Spanish authorities, with advocacy groups deeming them as serious violations.
Singer Julio Iglesias has denied allegations of sexual assault made by two female former employees.
The women—who served as a domestic worker and a physiotherapist—allege that the 82-year-old Spanish superstar created an environment that normalized abuse during their employment at his properties in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic.
In a recent statement on Instagram, Iglesias expressed: I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me. The allegations, first reported earlier this week, are currently under investigation by Spain's judiciary.
The two women report experiencing sexual and other forms of abuse while working in Iglesias's Caribbean residences for a period of 10 months in 2021, coinciding with the timeframe of the alleged incidents.
On January 5, they filed a legal complaint citing sexual assault and human trafficking with a national court that investigates crimes committed outside of Spain. Advocacy organizations, such as Women's Link Worldwide and Amnesty International, argued that the alleged actions categorized as crimes against sexual freedom could be considered human trafficking aimed at forced labor.
Reports indicate that Iglesias subjected the women to oppressive working conditions including excessive hours, monitoring of personal communications, and limitations on their freedom of movement. Women's Link highlighted the vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds of the complainants, indicating they were heavily reliant on their earnings.
'Defend my dignity'
In his Instagram message, Iglesias lamented, It is with profound sadness that I respond to the accusations made by two people who previously worked for me. I have never felt such malice, but I still have the strength to let people know the whole truth and defend my dignity against such a serious accusation.
He further thanked supportive individuals for their messages of affection and loyalty during this challenging time.
Investigations by elDiario.es and Univision involved extensive research over three years, uncovering documentary evidence that purportedly supports the women’s claims, including photographs and communications.
Though some former employees corroborate claims of a hostile working environment, long-time allies such as Jaime Peñafiel have dismissed the accusations as fabrications.
Julio Iglesias is celebrated as one of the most successful Latin artists in history, with over 300 million records sold throughout his illustrious career and being the father of popular musician Enrique Iglesias.
