Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has denied allegations of abuse made by two former employees, as Spanish prosecutors review a criminal complaint filed on their behalf.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the 82-year-old said he had never "abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman", adding: "These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me."
The complaint was lodged with prosecutors at Spain's National Court on 5 January by the advocacy group Women’s Link Worldwide, which is representing the two women. The organisation says the women, who worked as a domestic worker and a physiotherapist, allege they experienced sexual and other abuse while working at properties linked to Iglesias in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas in 2021.
Women’s Link and Amnesty International have said the complaint sets out alleged conduct that could amount to offences including human trafficking for the purpose of forced labour and servitude, as well as alleged sexual offences and breaches of workers’ rights.
Spanish prosecutors have opened preliminary proceedings, with the details remaining confidential under Spain’s secrecy rules. Prosecutors have agreed to take testimony from the women and granted them protected witness status, though no date has been set.
The allegations against Iglesias have sparked strong reactions in Spain, with members of the government backing the complainants and demanding that an investigation establishes the truth.
The head of the conservative opposition Popular Party, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, who is friends with Iglesias, told Telecinco television on Wednesday he was "very, very, very surprised" but urged against "speculating".
Iglesias's former manager Fernan Martinez told Telecinco that he was "very affectionate" and enjoyed "physical contact" but stressed he never saw the music icon "behave aggressively".
Source: AFP
