Spanish Prosecutors Shelve Complaint Against Julio Iglesias
Prosecutors said courts lacked jurisdiction over alleged assaults at Iglesias's residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.
Overview
Spanish state prosecutors said Friday they shelved an investigation into accusations of sexual assault and human trafficking against Julio Iglesias, 82, after concluding Spain's Audiencia Nacional lacked jurisdiction for alleged acts in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.
The complaint was filed by two former employees who, according to a joint investigation by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias, allege inappropriate touching, coercion and an atmosphere of control while working at Iglesias's properties.
Julio Iglesias posted on Instagram in Spanish denying the allegations, writing "I deny having abused, coerced or disrespected any woman," and an email seeking comment to a Florida attorney said to represent him was not immediately answered.
The reporting that prompted the complaints compiled testimony from 15 former employees and prompted Women's Link Worldwide and Amnesty International to say the alleged acts could amount to human trafficking and crimes against sexual freedom.
Prosecutors said prosecution could still be pursued in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas and that Spain's decision was based on jurisdictional limits, while Iglesias said he will defend himself against what he described as "a serious affront."
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this story neutrally, distinguishing editorial reporting from source content. They attribute charged terms—'normalised abuse', 'coercive, threatening and violent'—to complainants and advocacy groups, report prosecutors' jurisdictional rationale, and include Iglesias's Instagram denial and defenders' responses, balancing allegations with legal context and rebuttals.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Prosecutors concluded that Spain's Audiencia Nacional lacked jurisdiction over the alleged assaults, which occurred at Iglesias's residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.
Two former employees allege sexual assault, inappropriate touching, coercion, and an atmosphere of control while working at his properties; NGOs claim these could amount to human trafficking and crimes against sexual freedom.
Iglesias denied the accusations on Instagram, stating 'I deny having abused, coerced or disrespected any woman' and calling them 'absolutely false,' vowing to defend his dignity.
Prosecutors indicated that prosecution could still be pursued in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.
A joint investigation by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias compiled testimony from 15 former employees, leading Women's Link Worldwide to file the complaint on behalf of two women.
History
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