January 16, (THEWILL) — Grammy-winning singer, Julio Iglesias, has denied allegations of sexual assault made by two former employees.
The 82-year-old Spanish star responded on Instagram on Friday. He said he has never abused or mistreated any woman, calling the allegations absolutely false.
The women, a domestic worker and a physiotherapist, claim they were abused while working for Iglesias. They say the incidents happened at his properties in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic in 2021. They also said the work environment was coercive and restrictive.
In his Instagram post, Iglesias wrote: “I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and have deeply saddened me.
“It is with profound sadness that I respond to accusations made by two people who previously worked for me. I have never felt such malice, but I still have the strength to tell the whole truth and defend my dignity against such a serious claim.”
The women filed a legal complaint on January 5 with Spain’s National Court, which handles crimes allegedly committed outside the country. Spanish prosecutors have confirmed they are reviewing the case.
Advocacy groups Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International said the allegations could amount to human trafficking for forced labour and may involve crimes against sexual freedom.
According to testimony collected by the groups, the women were required to work long hours, had limited freedom to leave the homes, and were subject to strict control over their personal lives.
Spanish news site elDiario.es and Univision, a major Spanish-language media company in the U.S., investigated the claims over three years.
They report that the allegations are supported by documents including photographs, phone records, messages, and medical reports. Some former employees also described a stressful and intimidating work environment.
Iglesias has received public support from friends and associates, who have dismissed the claims as false.
Julio Iglesias is one of the most successful Latin artists of all time, having sold over 300 million records worldwide and won multiple awards during a career spanning more than five decades.
He is also the father of international pop star, Enrique Iglesias.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
