Spanish prosecutors drop sexual assault complaint against Julio Iglesias

Spanish prosecutors have closed their investigation into sexual assault allegations against legendary singer Julio Iglesias, determining that Spain’s National Court lacks jurisdiction over incidents allegedly occurring in the Caribbean.

The investigation, which began earlier this month, centered on accusations from two former employees who claimed the 82-year-old Grammy winner sexually assaulted them at his properties in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic. According to Women’s Link Worldwide, the non-governmental organization representing the women, the allegations included “crimes against sexual freedom and indemnity such as sexual harassment” and “human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor and servitude.”

The accusers also claimed Iglesias monitored their cell phones, restricted their movements, and forced them to work up to 16 hours daily without contracts or days off. When the complaint was initially filed in Spain, the organization indicated they had not contacted authorities in the Bahamas or Dominican Republic, and were unaware if investigations had commenced in either Caribbean nation.

Iglesias firmly denied the allegations through a statement on social media, saying: “With deep sorrow, I respond to the accusations made by two people who previously worked at my home. I deny having abused, coerced or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and cause me great sadness.”

The case has drawn significant attention given Iglesias’ global stature in the music industry. Since his 1969 debut album “Yo Canto,” he has established himself as one of the world’s most successful recording artists, selling more than 300 million records in over a dozen languages. His international appeal expanded dramatically in the 1970s and 1980s, partly through notable collaborations with American artists including Willie Nelson and Diana Ross.

Throughout his decades-spanning career, Iglesias has accumulated numerous accolades, including a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Performance in 1988 for his album “Un Hombre Solo.” His contributions to music were further recognized with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential Latin artists of all time.

Beyond his own accomplishments, Iglesias is also known as the father of another global music sensation, Enrique Iglesias, who has carved out his own successful career in the entertainment industry.

The Spanish prosecutors’ decision to shelve the investigation highlights the jurisdictional complexities that often arise in international legal cases, particularly those involving alleged crimes that occurred outside national borders. For the accusers, this development may represent a significant setback in their pursuit of legal action against Iglesias.

The case also underscores the increasing global attention on allegations of sexual misconduct against powerful figures in the entertainment industry. In recent years, numerous high-profile celebrities and executives have faced similar accusations, leading to broader conversations about accountability, power dynamics, and workplace safety across various sectors.

While Spanish authorities have concluded their initial inquiry, it remains unclear whether the women will pursue alternative legal avenues in the jurisdictions where the alleged incidents took place. The potential for investigations in either the Bahamas or Dominican Republic remains an open question, as does the possibility of civil litigation in those countries or elsewhere.

As the situation continues to develop, the contrasting narratives presented by the accusers and Iglesias highlight the challenges in resolving such sensitive allegations, especially when they cross international boundaries and involve prominent public figures.