Julio Iglesias Considers Legal Action Against Sexual Abuse Allegations

Spanish singing icon Julio Iglesias is considering legal action against prosecutors following their decision to drop a sexual assault investigation against him, sources close to the case reported Monday.

The 82-year-old music legend may pursue claims of false reporting after Spanish authorities abandoned their inquiry into allegations made by two former employees. State prosecutors cited jurisdictional issues last week, noting that the alleged incidents occurred at Iglesias’ properties in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, outside Spain’s legal jurisdiction.

After maintaining silence for several days, Iglesias finally addressed the allegations on social media, categorically denying them. “These accusations are absolutely false,” he stated, expressing sorrow over the situation that has cast a shadow over his decades-long career.

According to Spanish newspaper El País, Iglesias’ legal team has requested full access to the complaint documents to determine whether his accusers “committed the crime of filing a false report,” an offense punishable under Spanish law. This move signals a potential counteroffensive from the singer’s camp.

The allegations first surfaced earlier this month when two women came forward with serious accusations against Iglesias. In an investigative report published jointly by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias, the former employees alleged sexual assault, harassment, human trafficking, and labor rights violations.

Iglesias’ defense team had explicitly requested the case dismissal on jurisdictional grounds. His lawyers argued that allowing Spain to investigate events that occurred outside its territory could undermine fundamental jurisdictional principles and potentially enable “forum shopping” – a practice where complainants seek out favorable legal jurisdictions. According to his legal representatives, such proceedings could significantly damage Iglesias’ reputation in his home country.

Women’s Link Worldwide, the NGO representing the complainants, had previously expressed its determination to see the case thoroughly investigated. The organization warned of potential attempts to discredit the women’s allegations while emphasizing its commitment to defending the accusers. The NGO maintained that given the serious nature of the accusations, the women’s access to justice must be guaranteed.

Iglesias has been a towering figure in the music industry since releasing his debut album “Yo Canto” in 1969. His extraordinary career spans more than five decades, during which he has sold over 300 million records worldwide in multiple languages, making him one of the best-selling musical artists in history.

Though he began his career in Spain, Iglesias achieved international stardom in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the United States. His collaborations with global music stars including Willie Nelson and Diana Ross helped cement his status as a cross-cultural phenomenon. His son, Enrique Iglesias, has followed in his father’s footsteps to become a successful recording artist in his own right.

The music industry has recognized Iglesias’ contributions with numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2019, he received the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, adding to his 1988 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Performance for the album “Un Hombre Solo.”

The case highlights the complexities of international jurisdiction in legal proceedings, particularly when allegations involve high-profile individuals with residences in multiple countries. As it stands, Spanish authorities have determined they lack the legal authority to proceed with an investigation into incidents allegedly occurring outside national borders.

Neither Iglesias’ representatives nor Women’s Link Worldwide have issued further statements regarding potential next steps as both parties assess their legal options following the prosecutor’s decision.