International music icon Julio Iglesias has publicly denied allegations of sexual abuse made by two former employees, calling the claims entirely false as Spanish judicial authorities examine the case.
The accusations, first reported earlier this week by Spanish outlet elDiario.es and U.S.-based broadcaster Univision Noticias, stem from a joint investigation that lasted nearly three years. The reports allege that Iglesias sexually and physically assaulted two women who were employed at his private residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas between January and October 2021.
In response, the 82-year-old singer issued a statement on social media expressing distress over the accusations and firmly rejecting any wrongdoing. Iglesias said he has never abused, coerced, or shown disrespect toward any woman, describing the claims as deeply painful and untrue. He added that the situation has caused him significant personal sorrow but maintained his confidence that the truth would ultimately prevail.
Spanish prosecutors confirmed that they are reviewing the allegations after a formal complaint was submitted to a high court in Spain earlier this month. According to court officials, the Madrid-based court has jurisdiction to investigate alleged crimes committed abroad by Spanish citizens. While no charges have been filed to date, the legal review remains ongoing.
The complaint was reportedly submitted with the support of Women’s Link Worldwide, an international rights organization representing the two women. The group stated that the accusations include alleged crimes related to sexual harassment, violations of sexual autonomy, and human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor and servitude. Iglesias has not commented directly on the organization’s claims but reiterated his categorical denial of all allegations.
In his statement, Iglesias said he was grateful for the messages of support he has received from fans and colleagues around the world. He also emphasized his determination to defend his reputation and dignity against what he described as a serious and damaging accusation.
Julio Iglesias is widely regarded as one of the most successful recording artists in music history. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has sold an estimated 300 million records worldwide and recorded songs in more than a dozen languages. Rising to prominence in Spain before achieving global fame, Iglesias became a defining figure in Latin pop music during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the United States and Europe.
His achievements include a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Performance in 1988 for the album Un Hombre Solo, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Recording Academy in 2019. He is also known as the father of pop star Enrique Iglesias, who has enjoyed his own successful international career.
As Spanish authorities continue to assess the allegations, no court date has been set and Iglesias has not been formally charged. The case remains under review, with further legal steps dependent on the outcome of the prosecutors’ examination.
