Julio Iglesias has denied allegations of sexual assault made by two female former employees.
The women allege that the 82-year-old Spanish superstar 'normalised abuse' in a coercive, threatening and violent environment while they were working at his properties in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic.
Responding on Instagram, Iglesias said: 'I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me.'
The allegations, reported earlier this week, are under investigation by Spain's judiciary.
The two women—a domestic worker and a physiotherapist—have made claims of sexual and other forms of abuse occurring during their 10-month employment at Iglesias’s Caribbean residences in 2021.
On January 5, they filed a legal complaint for sexual assault and human trafficking with Spain’s national court, which investigates crimes beyond Spain's borders. Advocacy groups have suggested that the allegations could represent human trafficking for forced labor and crimes against sexual freedom.
In his Instagram statement, Iglesias expressed profound sadness in response to these accusations and stated he intends to defend his dignity against such serious allegations.
The women’s claims reportedly include systematic checks on their mobile phones, restrictions on their freedom of movement, and excessive work hours without days off. Women's Link described them as young Latin American women in vulnerable socioeconomic circumstances.
Several former employees have corroborated the women’s claims, citing a hostile work atmosphere under Iglesias. Nevertheless, some of Iglesias's associates have defended him against these claims, labeling them as false. The singer, noted for his success in the Latin music scene, has sold over 300 million records and is the father of fellow artist Enrique Iglesias.
