Show summary Hide summary
- How Spain’s prosecutors became involved
- Details of the accusations from former staff
- NGO representing the complainants and legal steps
- Timeline and procedural notes from the prosecutor’s office
- Press investigations that brought allegations to light
- Responses from authorities in the Caribbean
- Iglesias’ silence and legal representation
- Political and cultural fallout in Spain
- The artist at the center of the allegations
Spanish authorities have opened a formal review after accusations emerged that Julio Iglesias sexually assaulted two women who worked at his homes in the Caribbean. The allegations, which first surfaced in investigative reports this week, have prompted prosecutors in Madrid to examine whether crimes committed abroad fall under Spain’s jurisdiction.
How Spain’s prosecutors became involved
The office that handles cases for Spain’s National Court confirmed it received a filing on Jan. 5. That court can pursue alleged offenses by Spanish citizens committed outside Spain.
Nas slams music industry over disrespect: teases new music, vows to address it
1992 vocal performances: 3 jaw-dropping moments that still amaze
Prosecutors have discretion to take witness statements and decide whether to open a criminal case. They have an initial six months to make a decision. In exceptional circumstances that period can be extended up to a year.
The Madrid-based court could, if prosecutors deem it appropriate, summon Iglesias to give testimony.
Details of the accusations from former staff
According to the complaint, the two women worked in Iglesias’ residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas during 2021. They allege a pattern of sexual and physical mistreatment.
- Sexual assault and harassment: The complaint cites claims of unwanted sexual acts and aggressive conduct.
- Labor exploitation: The women say they were forced to work long hours with no contract or days off.
- Control and isolation: Their testimony reportedly describes cellphone monitoring and restrictions on leaving the homes.
- Alleged trafficking for forced labor: The filing includes accusations that elements of their treatment meet trafficking definitions.
NGO representing the complainants and legal steps
Women’s Link Worldwide says it is representing the two women who filed the complaint in Spain. The group helped bring the matter to the National Court.
Its lawyers requested that the two women be heard as protected witnesses. The NGO stated the complainants chose Spain as the forum they considered most suitable.
Women’s Link said it did not file separate complaints in the Dominican Republic or the Bahamas, and it does not know whether local authorities in those countries have launched probes.
Timeline and procedural notes from the prosecutor’s office
Prosecutors will collect statements from the two women. The office has not yet scheduled witness interviews.
The initial six-month review period allows the prosecutor to determine whether a formal criminal case should move forward. That period can be prolonged in special cases.
Press investigations that brought allegations to light
Spanish outlet elDiario.es and Spanish-language Univision Noticias published the investigative reports that first detailed the claims.
According to Women’s Link, the two women initially contacted elDiario.es. The outlet’s reporting prompted the women to seek legal counsel.
Spain’s government voiced a firm stance after the reports. A government spokeswoman urged respect for the process and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to combating violence against women.
Responses from authorities in the Caribbean
Officials in the Dominican Republic declined to confirm or deny whether they are investigating. A spokesperson for the country’s Attorney General’s Office said he could not provide details.
Under Dominican law, prosecutors must investigate allegations of sexual violence, even if no criminal complaint has been formally lodged.
Iglesias’ silence and legal representation
Julio Iglesias has not made a public statement about the allegations. Media requests for comment to his camp have not produced an immediate response.
A Miami-based entertainment lawyer known to list Iglesias as a client did not answer an AP request for comment.
Political and cultural fallout in Spain
Spain’s culture ministry said the government is studying the case and evaluating options. Officials indicated they are considering whether to revoke an honor awarded to Iglesias.
Authorities are weighing whether to rescind the Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts, an accolade granted to Iglesias in 2010.
The artist at the center of the allegations
Julio Iglesias, 82, is one of the world’s best-selling singers. He has sold hundreds of millions of records and performed in multiple languages.
- He rose to international fame in the 1970s and 1980s.
- He won a 1988 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Performance.
- In 2019, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
- He is the father of pop star Enrique Iglesias.
