Julio Iglesias Accused of Human Trafficking and Sexual Assault
Two former female employees have come forward with serious allegations against renowned singer Julio Iglesias, claiming they were victims of human trafficking and that he sexually assaulted them on multiple occasions.
The women, who worked as domestic staff and physical therapists at Iglesias’ luxurious properties in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, reported experiencing “inappropriate touching, insults, and humiliation in a controlling and harassing environment.” The alleged incidents reportedly took place in 2021.
According to reports, the victims lodged a formal complaint with Spain’s Audiencia Nacional, the country’s highest criminal court, just recently.
In one account, a woman identified as “Rebecca” described being summoned to Iglesias’ room after working hours, where he would touch her inappropriately without her consent. She expressed that these encounters left her feeling like “an object, a slave.”
Rebecca stated, “He took advantage of me almost every night,” highlighting the distressing nature of the alleged assaults, which sometimes occurred in the presence of her supervisor.
Another accuser, referred to as “Laura,” shared her own troubling experience, claiming that Iglesias forcibly kissed her and touched her breasts against her will, even recalling a disturbing incident at the beach where he touched her nipples.
Both women characterized the workplace as a highly tense environment, asserting that Iglesias made abuse feel like a norm. “You should call that house Little House of Horrors… it’s really scary,” Rebecca remarked.
A thorough investigation led by the Spanish news site elDiario.es and Univision Noticias over three years gathered testimonials from 15 former staff members who worked with Iglesias from the late 1990s until 2023.
These interviews painted a picture of isolation and vulnerability among the women, exacerbated by labor disputes, staff hierarchy, and Iglesias’ volatile temper. The two women who reported their assaults maintained consistent narratives over an extensive year-long interview process. Their claims are backed by substantial documentary evidence, including photos, call logs, and medical reports.
Interestingly, the supervisor mentioned by Rebecca, who allegedly took part in the incidents, spoke positively about Iglesias, expressing continued admiration for him as both an artist and a person, which seems a bit contradictory given the accusations.
Spain’s labor minister, Yolanda Díaz, highlighted that the victims described conditions akin to “sexual assault and slavery.” Meanwhile, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of the Madrid region, stood by Iglesias, asserting that Madrid would not discredit an artist of his caliber.
