Singer 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, which were first reported earlier this week, are being investigated by Spain's judiciary.
The two women - a domestic worker and a physiotherapist - have alleged they suffered sexual and other forms of abuse while working at Iglesias's properties. Reports indicate they worked in his Caribbean residences for 10 months in 2021, during which they claim the sexual assaults occurred. On January 5, the women filed a legal complaint for sexual assault and human trafficking with the national court, which investigates crimes allegedly committed beyond Spain's borders.
Advocacy groups Women's Link Worldwide and Amnesty International stated that the acts alleged in the complaint could be considered a crime of human trafficking for the purpose of forced labour and crimes against sexual freedom. According to testimony collected by the two groups, Iglesias subjected the women to sexual harassment, regularly checked their mobile phones, restricted their ability to leave the home where they worked, and required them to work up to 16 hours a day without days off. Women's Link characterized the complainants as young Latin American women in vulnerable situations who were heavily dependent on their wages due to their economic and social conditions.
In his statement, Iglesias expressed profound sadness in response to the accusations, asserting: I have never felt such malice, but I still have the strength to let people know the whole truth and defend my dignity against such a serious accusation. He also thanked those who have shown him support. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, some of Iglesias's friends and allies have publicly defended him, dismissing the claims as unfounded.
Iglesias, known for being one of the most successful Latin artists in history with over 300 million records sold, is the father of music superstar Enrique Iglesias.
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, which were first reported earlier this week, are being investigated by Spain's judiciary.
The two women - a domestic worker and a physiotherapist - have alleged they suffered sexual and other forms of abuse while working at Iglesias's properties. Reports indicate they worked in his Caribbean residences for 10 months in 2021, during which they claim the sexual assaults occurred. On January 5, the women filed a legal complaint for sexual assault and human trafficking with the national court, which investigates crimes allegedly committed beyond Spain's borders.
Advocacy groups Women's Link Worldwide and Amnesty International stated that the acts alleged in the complaint could be considered a crime of human trafficking for the purpose of forced labour and crimes against sexual freedom. According to testimony collected by the two groups, Iglesias subjected the women to sexual harassment, regularly checked their mobile phones, restricted their ability to leave the home where they worked, and required them to work up to 16 hours a day without days off. Women's Link characterized the complainants as young Latin American women in vulnerable situations who were heavily dependent on their wages due to their economic and social conditions.
In his statement, Iglesias expressed profound sadness in response to the accusations, asserting: I have never felt such malice, but I still have the strength to let people know the whole truth and defend my dignity against such a serious accusation. He also thanked those who have shown him support. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, some of Iglesias's friends and allies have publicly defended him, dismissing the claims as unfounded.
Iglesias, known for being one of the most successful Latin artists in history with over 300 million records sold, is the father of music superstar Enrique Iglesias.
