On Friday, Spanish state prosecutors declared the cessation of their preliminary examination into sexual assault allegations directed at Julio Iglesias. The investigation, which encompassed claims related to the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, was halted after the National Court of Spain concluded it lacked the jurisdictional authority to adjudicate the case.
The inquiry originated earlier in the month when Spanish prosecutors began assessing claims that the internationally acclaimed singer, aged 82 and a multi-Grammy award recipient, had sexually assaulted two women formerly employed at his residences located in the Caribbean nations mentioned. Iglesias has categorically denied the allegations. Addressing the issue via social media, he wrote, "With deep sorrow, I respond to the accusations made by two people who previously worked at my home. I deny having abused, coerced or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and cause me great sadness." Attempts to gain further comments from Iglesias's legal representative in Florida have thus far been unreturned.
The accusers filed their complaints in Spain in the same period, with representation by Women's Link Worldwide, a non-governmental organization advocating on their behalf. According to the NGO, the accusations encompass crimes including sexual harassment and human trafficking intended for forced labor and servitude. The alleged victims additionally report that Iglesias consistently monitored their cellphones, prohibited them from leaving his residence freely, and compelled them to work extended hours up to 16 hours daily without formal employment contracts or rest days.
Upon filing the complaints with Spanish authorities, the representing organization did not contact law enforcement agencies in the Bahamas or the Dominican Republic and remains unaware if local investigations have been initiated or are ongoing in those countries. This lack of clarity about proceedings in Caribbean jurisdictions underscores the complex jurisdictional challenges involved.
Julio Iglesias has achieved significant international success as a musical artist since his debut album "Yo Canto" in 1969. Throughout his career, he has sold in excess of 300 million records across more than twelve languages. In addition to his early acclaim in Spain, he achieved widespread popularity in the United States and across global markets during the 1970s and 1980s, aided by collaborations with American artists like Willie Nelson and Diana Ross.
His professional accolades include a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award presented in 2019 and a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Performance received in 1988 for his album "Un Hombre Solo." In the realm of popular music's succeeding generations, Iglesias is recognized as the father of Enrique Iglesias, who is also a notable pop musician.