Spanish judicial authorities have formally dismissed a sexual assault and human trafficking complaint brought against the legendary singer Julio Iglesias, determining that the country's courts lack jurisdiction over the alleged offences.
Jurisdictional Grounds for Dismissal
Prosecutors at Spain's highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional, issued a decision on Friday rejecting the case brought by two former employees. The official filing stated that Spanish courts "lacked jurisdiction" because the alleged incidents occurred outside Spanish territory, specifically at Iglesias's properties in the Caribbean.
Nature of the Allegations
The complaint was filed by two women who previously worked at Iglesias's mansions in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. According to their testimony published by Spanish media outlets elDiario.es and Univision Noticias, the women alleged they were subjected to "inappropriate touching, insults and humiliation" in what they described as an atmosphere of control and constant harassment.
One complainant, identified as Rebeca to protect her identity, detailed specific allegations of non-consensual digital penetration that she said occurred regularly at the end of her working day. "He used me almost every night," she told investigators. "I felt like an object, like a slave."
Broader Investigation Context
The allegations emerged following a three-year joint investigation by Spanish media organisations that gathered testimony from fifteen former employees who worked for the eighty-two-year-old singer between the late 1990s and 2023. The investigation reportedly uncovered documents suggesting Iglesias allegedly ordered some female employees to undergo tests for sexually transmitted diseases.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
While Spanish prosecutors have shelved the case, the legal filing seen by Reuters indicates that prosecution could still be pursued in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas where the alleged offences are said to have taken place. The decision represents a significant development in a case that has attracted international attention.
Iglesias's Response
The veteran entertainer, whose career spans six decades, has vehemently denied all allegations through an official statement posted on Instagram. "I have never abused, coerced or disrespected any woman," Iglesias wrote. "These accusations are absolutely false and pain me deeply." He further described the allegations as "a serious affront" against which he intends to defend himself.
The dismissal highlights complex jurisdictional issues in international legal cases involving alleged offences across multiple territories, particularly when incidents occur at private residences located outside the complainant's home country.
