Spanish prosecutors have concluded their investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against singer Julio Iglesias.
Authorities determined that Spanish courts lack jurisdiction in the matter, as the alleged offenses occurred abroad, and the complainants are not Spanish citizens or residents, nor did they travel to Spain with the artist.
The accusations were brought forward by two former employees, who alleged that the 82-year-old Spanish entertainer fostered a “culture of abuse” characterized by coercion, threats, and violence while they were employed at his properties in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic in 2021.
Iglesias has strongly refuted these claims, which surfaced publicly last week.
On January 5th, the women filed a formal legal complaint with the national court, which addresses crimes purportedly committed outside of Spain, citing sexual assault and human trafficking.
Advocacy groups Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International suggested that the actions described in the complaint could be construed as “human trafficking for the purpose of forced labour” and “crimes against sexual freedom”.
Women’s Link Worldwide characterized the complainants as young Latin American women “in vulnerable situations who were heavily dependent on their wages due to their economic and social conditions”.
The complaint was filed in Spain, according to the organization, due to the country’s legislation designed to protect women from gender-based violence and trafficking.
However, prosecutors stated that the complainants’ non-Spanish citizenship and residency preclude the application of the legal principle of universal jurisdiction.
Furthermore, they asserted that the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, where the alleged crimes took place, possess “clear and effective competence” to investigate the allegations independently.
Iglesias addressed the accusations via an Instagram post (in Spanish), stating: “I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me.”
Numerous friends of the singer have also voiced their strong disbelief that he is capable of such behavior.
Julio Iglesias is recognized as one of the most successful Latin artists of all time, with over 300 million records sold throughout his career.
He is also the father of fellow musical artist Enrique Iglesias.