Spanish music icon Julio Iglesias has publicly refuted serious allegations of sexual assault and human trafficking brought forward by two former employees. The 82-year-old recording artist, whose career spans decades with over 300 million records sold, issued a formal denial via Instagram following reports initially published by Spanish and U.S. media outlets.
The accusations, currently under investigation by Spain’s national judiciary, originate from a domestic worker and physiotherapist who were employed at Iglesias’s Caribbean residences in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic during 2021. They allege they endured a coercive environment characterized by sexual harassment, restricted mobility, excessive working hours without breaks, and surveillance of personal communications.
According to advocacy organizations Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International, the complaint details potential crimes of human trafficking for forced labor and violations of sexual freedom. The women’s testimonies describe a pattern of abuse that included working up to 16-hour days without time off and having their movements controlled.
In his response, Iglesias expressed profound sadness over the allegations, stating: ‘I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me.’ He emphasized his commitment to defending his dignity and revealing what he characterizes as the complete truth.
The case has drawn divided reactions, with some former associates defending Iglesias’s character while media investigations claim to have corroborating evidence including photographic documentation, communication records, and medical reports. The national court’s investigation continues as it examines crimes allegedly committed beyond Spanish borders.