The legendary Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has publicly denied serious allegations of sexual abuse and human trafficking made by two women who were formerly employed at his Caribbean residences. The 82-year-old music icon broke his silence on the matter via social media, stating he has never "abused, coerced or disrespected any woman".
Details of the Allegations and Investigation
The claims against Iglesias emerged this week following a three-year joint investigation by the Spanish news outlet elDiario.es and the Spanish-language TV network Univision Noticias. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred in 2021 at the singer's properties in the Caribbean.
Two women, using the pseudonyms Rebeca and Laura, have filed a formal complaint with Spain's highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional. Rebeca, a domestic worker, alleges that Iglesias, then 77, would frequently summon her to his room and sexually assault her without consent. She described feeling "like an object, like a slave." Laura, a physical therapist, claims the singer kissed her on the mouth and touched her breasts against her will at his villa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Medical Tests and Broader Accusations
The investigation has also uncovered further disturbing claims. Testimony published by elDiario.es suggests that female staff, including Rebeca and another former worker named Carolina, were required to undergo tests for sexually transmitted infections like HIV and chlamydia and submit the results to a housekeeper. Medical documents reportedly show five women employed at the Dominican Republic villa in 2021 had gynaecological examinations.
Laura told investigators she and Rebeca decided to come forward to encourage other potential victims to speak out. "I think by taking legal action we're sending a message to all the victims of this person... so that they can speak out and believe in justice," she stated.
Iglesias's Response and Legal Proceedings
In an Instagram post published early on Friday, Julio Iglesias responded with "great regret" to the allegations from "two people who used to work in my house." He firmly declared the accusations "absolutely false" and said they pained him deeply. The singer vowed to defend his dignity and thanked supporters for their messages.
The case is now the subject of a preliminary investigation by prosecutors at the Audiencia Nacional. The court will assess the complaints, which include accusations of sexual assault and human trafficking, to determine if a full legal proceeding should be initiated against the globally renowned artist.
