Julio Iglesias Denies Abuse Allegations, Calls Them ‘Absolutely False’

Spanish singer and cultural icon Julio Iglesias has vehemently denied allegations of abuse made against him by two former employees. In a statement posted on Instagram on March 15, 2024, the 82-year-old artist described the accusations as “absolutely false” and expressed his profound sadness over the claims.

The allegations come from a domestic worker and a physiotherapist who claim to have experienced sexual and other forms of abuse while working at Iglesias’s properties located in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas in 2021. According to a complaint filed with Spanish prosecutors on January 5, 2023, the women allege that Iglesias subjected them to “sexual harassment” and imposed excessive working hours, with some days requiring up to 16 hours of work without breaks.

In response to the allegations, Iglesias stated, “I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman.” He added, “I have never felt such malice, but I still have the strength to let people know the whole truth and to defend my dignity against such a serious accusation.” He also thanked his supporters for their messages of encouragement during this challenging time.

The case has garnered significant media attention in Spain, igniting discussions about abuse in the workplace. Advocacy groups Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International highlighted that the allegations could be classified as “a crime of human trafficking for the purpose of forced labour” and “crimes against sexual freedom.” Their joint statement emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.

Political reactions have also emerged, with members of the Spanish leftist government voicing their support for the complainants. Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of the conservative opposition Popular Party and a friend of Iglesias, expressed his shock during a television interview, urging the public not to speculate while the investigation unfolds.

In a further defense of Iglesias, his former manager Fernan Martinez stated that although Iglesias was “very affectionate” and enjoyed “physical contact,” he never witnessed any aggressive behavior from the singer. This testimony adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding the allegations.

With a career that spans decades, Iglesias is one of the most successful Latin artists in history, having sold more than 300 million records worldwide. He has won multiple awards, including a Grammy, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the music industry.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the allegations will impact Iglesias’s career and public perception. The investigation by Spanish authorities is expected to shed light on the claims and determine the next steps in this high-profile case.