Spanish music icon Julio Iglesias, renowned for his romantic ballads and global success, has become the subject of a criminal complaint following serious allegations from two former employees. The 82-year-old singer faces accusations of sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, mistreatment, and rape allegedly occurring in 2021 at his luxury residences in the Dominican Republic and Bahamas.
According to a joint investigative report published by elDiario.es and Univision, the allegations originate from a domestic worker and a physiotherapist who previously worked for the international music star. One accuser, identified as Rebeca from the Dominican Republic, was 22 years old during the alleged incidents and described feeling “like an object, like a slave in the 21st century” while working for Iglesias.
The second accuser, Laura from Venezuela, was 28 when she began working as a physiotherapist for the legendary performer. Judicial sources confirmed to AFP that a formal complaint was filed against Iglesias on January 5, 2026, and is currently under judicial review, though specific details remain confidential.
The allegations have sent shockwaves through Spain’s cultural and political circles. Equality Minister Ana Redondo has publicly called for “a full investigation” via social media platform X, while Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz described the testimonies as “chilling.”
Author Ignacio Peyro, who recently published a biography of Iglesias, expressed “deep consternation” over the allegations, noting they were “not known” during the book’s preparation. He has called for a revised and updated version of the biography to address these serious claims.
Multiple media outlets, including AFP, have attempted to contact Iglesias for comment regarding the allegations without success. The singer, born in Madrid, achieved worldwide fame during the 1970s and 1980s with numerous romantic hits and collaborations with renowned artists including Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Willie Nelson.