Julio Iglesias denies allegations of sexual abuse by two former employees

Julio Iglesias, the 82-year-old Spanish singer, has denied allegations that he sexually abused two former female employees who worked in his Caribbean mansions, saying he has never "abused, coerced or disrespected any woman". The accusations, which are said to have taken place in 2021, were made by two women who used the pseudonyms Rebeca and Laura and include claims of sexual assault, inappropriate touching, insults and humiliation "in an atmosphere of control and constant harassment." Rebeca, described as a domestic worker, alleged that Iglesias, who was 77 at the time, would call her to his room and penetrate her anally and vaginally with his fingers; Laura, described as a physical therapist, alleged unwanted kisses and breast touching at the singer's villa in Punta Cana.

ElDiario.es and Univision Noticias published the allegations on Tuesday after a three-year joint investigation. Testimony published by elDiario.es said some workers were required to have medical tests for sexually transmitted diseases and were asked to send results to a housekeeper; the outlet also obtained medical documents it said showed five women employed at the Dominican Republic villa underwent gynaecological examinations.

The two women have filed a complaint at Spain's highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional, accusing Iglesias of sexual assault and human trafficking, and prosecutors at the court have opened a preliminary investigation.

Key Topics

World, Julio Iglesias, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Audiencia Nacional, Sexual Assault