Spanish music legend Julio Iglesias faces serious allegations of sexual abuse from two women who worked for him at his luxury Caribbean residences. The claims, stemming from alleged incidents in 2021, have been published following a joint investigation by the outlets elDiario.es and Univision.
The Allegations: Accounts from Live-In Staff
The two accusers were employed in roles that required them to live on site at Iglesias's properties, a situation they say fostered an environment of control. The alleged events are said to have occurred at the singer's homes in Punta Cana and Lyford Cay.
One woman, given the pseudonym Rebeca, worked as a domestic employee. She alleges she was repeatedly called to the 77-year-old singer's bedroom late at night, feeling unable to refuse. In her account, she describes being pressured into sexual acts and enduring physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, leaving her feeling "like an object." Rebeca further claims these encounters often happened with another senior staff member present.
The second woman, identified as Laura, was employed as a physiotherapist. She alleges Iglesias kissed her without consent and touched her breasts against her will. Laura also describes a pattern of insults, humiliation, and inappropriate behaviour, characterising her work environment as one of constant harassment.
Fear, Power, and a Lack of Response
Both women told investigators they feared professional and personal repercussions if they spoke out at the time, citing Iglesias's immense wealth, influence, and the isolated locations of the homes. One of the accusers was 22 years old during the alleged 2021 incidents.
The journalists involved stated they made repeated attempts to contact Julio Iglesias and his legal team via email, phone, and written correspondence delivered to his homes but received no reply. They also could not reach the manager of the property where some events allegedly took place.
However, a former manager at the Punta Cana residence, identified by Rebeca as her supervisor, dismissed the allegations as "nonsense." She described Iglesias as generous, respectful, and considerate towards women.
Who is Julio Iglesias?
Born in Madrid in 1943, Julio Iglesias is one of the best-selling Latin artists in history, with an estimated 300 million records sold worldwide. His career, spanning over five decades and multiple languages, made him a global star. Known for hits like "Hey" and "To All the Girls I've Loved Before," his public persona has long been that of a romantic icon. He is also the father of singer Enrique Iglesias.
In recent decades, Iglesias has largely retreated from public life, residing at luxury properties in the Caribbean and the United States. No criminal charges have been announced in relation to these new allegations, and the accusations remain unproven. Iglesias has not made any public comment on the matter.
