Julio Iglesias Denies Abuse Claims

In a social media update late Thursday, Spanish singer Julio Iglesias refuted allegations of abuse made by two former domestic workers, stating that the claims are false.

Spain’s High Court prosecutors have initiated preliminary proceedings concerning the complaint, which human rights organizations allege involves human trafficking, forced labor, sexual abuse, and violations of workers’ rights.

“I deny that I have abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are completely false and bring me great sadness,” Iglesias, 82, stated in a signed message shared on his Instagram profile.

Iglesias, celebrated as one of the best-selling Latin artists globally, with over 300 million records sold in 14 languages, mentioned that he has found “great comfort” in the supportive messages he has received.

The complaint was filed by the rights group Women’s Link Worldwide on January 5 on behalf of two women, referred to as Rebecca and Laura, after a three-year investigation conducted by U.S. network Univision and Spanish outlet El Diario Es.

The organization characterized the complainants as young women from Latin America whose “economic and social conditions make them highly dependent on wages and vulnerable.”

Reportedly, the women worked for Iglesias for 10 months in 2021 at his residences located in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

The court has kept details of the case confidential. Attempts to reach Iglesias’ representatives via email and phone by Reuters were unsuccessful, and Iglesias’ record label Sony chose not to comment on the situation.