Renowned Spanish singer Julio Iglesias is facing serious allegations from two former employees, claims that he has categorically rejected. In a public response, Julio Iglesias has firmly denied claims of sexual misconduct, calling the accusations false and deeply distressing.
The women, who previously worked at the 82-year-old artist’s properties in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, allege they were subjected to a coercive and abusive environment. According to their statements, the atmosphere they describe involved intimidation, threats, and violence during their period of employment.
Responding via Instagram, Iglesias said he had never abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. He stated that the accusations have caused him profound sadness, adding that he intends to defend his dignity and ensure what he describes as the full truth is known.
Allegations Under Judicial Review
The allegations, first made public earlier this week, are now under investigation by Spain’s judiciary. The two complainants—a domestic worker and a physiotherapist—claim they experienced sexual and other forms of abuse while working at Iglesias’s Caribbean residences. Reports indicate they were employed there for around 10 months in 2021, the period during which the alleged assaults took place.
On 5 January, the women filed a formal complaint with Spain’s national court, which has jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed outside the country’s borders. Advocacy organizations Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International said the alleged acts could potentially constitute human trafficking for forced labour and crimes against sexual freedom.
According to testimonies gathered by the two groups, the women claim they were subjected to repeated sexual harassment, had their mobile phones routinely checked, faced restrictions on leaving their workplace, and were required to work up to 16 hours a day without days off. Women’s Link described the complainants as young Latin American women in vulnerable situations, heavily dependent on their income due to difficult economic and social circumstances.
Iglesias Responds and Supporters Push Back
In his statement, Iglesias said it was with “profound sadness” that he addressed accusations made by two former employees. He acknowledged feeling targeted by malice but said he remains determined to defend himself against what he described as extremely serious claims. The singer also expressed gratitude to supporters who sent messages of loyalty and affection, saying their words had brought him comfort during the controversy.
Investigations by Spanish outlet elDiario.es and US-based Univision, which examined the allegations over a three-year period, report that the women’s claims are supported by documentary evidence. This reportedly includes photographs, phone logs, text messages, medical records, and testimony from other former employees who described a tense and highly stressful working environment.
However, some close to the singer have dismissed the accusations. Longtime friend Jaime Peñafiel described the claims as completely false, while journalist Miguel Ángel Pastor said he had never heard any suggestion that Iglesias was capable of such behavior.
A Storied Career in the Spotlight
Julio Iglesias remains one of the most successful Latin music artists in history, with a career spanning decades and record sales exceeding 300 million worldwide. He is also the father of international pop star Enrique Iglesias.
