Julio Iglesias denies sexual assault and trafficking allegations by former employees
Julio Iglesias denies allegations by two former employees accusing him of sexual assault, human trafficking and coercion; Spanish prosecutors say they are examining the complaint.
Overview
Two former employees allege Julio Iglesias sexually assaulted and subjected them to coercion and forced labor while working at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas in 2021.
A three-year investigation by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias published the allegations on Jan.13, citing photographs, phone records, medical reports and testimony supporting the women's accounts.
A formal complaint was filed Jan.5 at Spain's Audiencia Nacional, which can investigate crimes by Spanish citizens abroad; prosecutors said they are studying the allegations.
Iglesias, 82, denied the accusations on Instagram, saying he never abused or coerced any woman, calling the claims 'absolutely untrue' and expressing sorrow at the allegations.
Advocacy groups representing the women allege patterns of control, excessive working hours, restricted movement and required medical tests; they argue these elements could constitute trafficking and sexual crimes.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this reporting as neutral: they attribute allegations to specific outlets and rights groups, use cautious terms ('alleged,' 'said'), include Iglesias’s direct denial, and note legal steps and context (his career, court jurisdiction). The coverage avoids loaded language and balances accusations with the subject’s response and procedural facts.
Sources (5)
FAQ
The two women alleged that Iglesias sexually and physically assaulted them, subjected them to coercion, forced labor, excessive working hours, restricted movement, and required medical tests while they worked at his residences in the Dominican Republic and Bahamas between January and October 2021.
Iglesias denied the accusations on Instagram, stating they were 'absolutely untrue' and 'absolutely false,' that he never abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman, and expressed deep sadness and a commitment to defend his dignity.
A formal complaint was filed on January 5 at Spain's Audiencia Nacional, which can investigate crimes by Spanish citizens abroad, and prosecutors announced they are studying and conducting a preliminary investigation into the allegations.
A three-year joint investigation by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias cited photographs, phone records, medical reports, and testimony from the women supporting their accounts of sexual assault, coercion, and trafficking.
Nongovernmental organization Women’s Link Worldwide is representing the two women, alleging crimes against sexual freedom such as sexual harassment and human trafficking for forced labor and servitude.
History
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