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Spanish music icon Julio Iglesias has vehemently denied allegations of sexual assault made by two former employees who worked at his Caribbean properties, calling the accusations “absolutely false” in a statement released on social media Thursday.
“I deny having abused, coerced or disrespected any woman,” wrote the 82-year-old Grammy-winning artist in a Spanish-language Instagram post. “These accusations cause me great sadness.”
The allegations emerged this week in a joint investigation by Spanish media outlets elDiario.es and Univision Noticias. According to their reports, two women who worked as live-in staff members at Iglesias’ homes in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas claim they were sexually and physically assaulted by the singer between January and October 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The accusers are being represented by Women’s Link Worldwide, a non-governmental organization. The NGO has characterized the alleged offenses as “crimes against sexual freedom and indemnity such as sexual harassment” and “human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor and servitude.”
Spanish prosecutors confirmed they received a formal complaint on January 5 and are currently reviewing the allegations. According to the Madrid court’s press office, Iglesias could potentially face proceedings in Spain, as the country’s legal system permits prosecution of Spanish citizens for crimes allegedly committed abroad.
In his response, Iglesias expressed dismay at what he described as unprecedented malice directed at him. “I had never experienced such malice,” the singer stated, “but I still have the strength for people to know the full truth and to defend my dignity against such a serious affront.”
The Madrid-born Iglesias stands as one of the most commercially successful recording artists in history. His career, spanning over five decades, began in the late 1960s and has resulted in album sales exceeding 300 million copies worldwide. His multilingual recordings—performed in more than a dozen languages—have helped him build a truly global fanbase across Europe, Latin America, and North America.
The singer’s commercial success has been matched with critical recognition. Iglesias has received seven Grammy Award nominations throughout his career, winning his first in 1998 when “Un Hombre Solo” claimed the prize for Latin Pop Performance. His influence on Spanish-language music and his pioneering role in bringing it to international audiences has cemented his legacy as one of Spain’s most significant cultural exports.
He is also well-known as the father of international pop star Enrique Iglesias, who has followed in his father’s footsteps to become a global music sensation in his own right.
This case comes at a time when allegations of sexual misconduct continue to impact the entertainment industry worldwide. The #MeToo movement has led to increased scrutiny of powerful figures across various sectors, including music, film, and business.
For now, the case remains in the preliminary stages, with Spanish authorities continuing their assessment of the accusations. Iglesias concluded his statement by thanking followers for their support as he faces these allegations.
The singer has been largely out of the public eye in recent years, making these serious allegations all the more striking for his longtime fans and the music industry at large.
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18 Comments
The details here raise red flags, but rushing to judgment helps no one. A fair, objective investigation is needed to determine the facts.
Denying allegations is understandable, but a thorough and fair investigation is needed. Power dynamics in employment relationships raise serious concerns.
Exactly. The reported details about the employment context add an extra layer of complexity to this case.
This is a complex situation that requires a careful, unbiased investigation. I hope the truth emerges through due process, without prejudice on either side.
These are serious accusations that merit a thorough, impartial investigation. I hope the truth comes to light, whatever it may be.
Disturbing if true, but we must allow the legal process to play out before drawing conclusions. Presumption of innocence is crucial.
Serious accusations that deserve a proper legal examination. I’ll wait for the investigation to run its course before forming an opinion on this matter.
Disturbing if true. I encourage a fair, impartial investigation to establish the facts before rushing to conclusions, regardless of the parties involved.
Allegations of this nature are always troubling. I hope the facts come to light through a proper legal process, without rushing to judgment on either side.
Well said. Due process and the rule of law must prevail, even for high-profile individuals.
This is a complex and sensitive case. I’ll be following the developments closely, but withholding judgment until more facts come to light.
Concerning news. I hope the authorities get to the bottom of this and hold the perpetrator(s) accountable if the allegations are substantiated.
This is a delicate situation that requires careful investigation. I’ll reserve judgment until more details emerge from credible sources.
Troubling allegations. I hope the authorities investigate thoroughly and impartially to uncover the truth. Famous figures should be held accountable just like anyone else.
Agreed. Sexual assault claims must be taken seriously, regardless of the accused’s status or reputation.
Troubling situation. I trust the legal system to examine the evidence and determine the truth, without prejudice or bias on either side.
Allegations of sexual assault are always concerning. I hope the authorities handle this case professionally and judiciously.
Allegations of this nature must be taken seriously. I hope the investigation is thorough and transparent, and that justice is served if warranted.