Julio Iglesias Accused of Sexual and Physical Abuse by Former Employees

Grammy-winning Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has been accused of sexual and physical assault by two women who previously worked as live-in employees at his Caribbean residences.

The allegations were revealed Tuesday in a joint investigation published by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias. The two women, who remain anonymous, say the abuse occurred while they were employed at Iglesias’ homes in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

One accuser, a former domestic worker, claims she was pressured into having sex with the singer and describes incidents of slapping, verbal humiliation, and physical violence. The second woman, a physiotherapist, alleges she was subjected to inappropriate touching, insults, and degrading treatment during her employment.

According to multiple international media outlets, a formal complaint was filed on Jan. 5 at Spain’s highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional. The complaint accuses Iglesias, 82, of sexual assault and human trafficking. Prosecutors at the court have opened a preliminary investigation.

In testimony published by elDiario.es, both women allege they were required to undergo medical tests for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and chlamydia. They also claim they endured ongoing workplace harassment, as well as verbal and physical abuse, during their time working for the singer.

On Tuesday, the nonprofit organization Women’s Link Worldwide announced it is representing the two women, identified under the pseudonyms Rebeca and Laura.

“I am doing this to get justice for three reasons,” Rebeca said in a statement. “First, for myself and everything I have had to endure. Second, for the women who work in his homes — to remind them that he is not invincible. And third, for my country, so that this never happens again.”

Laura echoed that message, saying her goal is to ensure that no other woman experiences similar abuse. “Women are victims and survivors,” she said, “not the ones to blame.”

Iglesias is one of the most successful recording artists in music history, with more than 300 million records sold worldwide. He has won two Grammy Awards, been inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, and is the father of singers Enrique Iglesias and Julio Iglesias Jr..

Following the public allegations, Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun said the government is considering revoking Iglesias’ Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts, which he received in 2010.

“It is something we are studying and evaluating,” Urtasun said. “When faced with allegations this serious, we have an obligation to act.”

Iglesias has not publicly responded to the accusations. The investigation remains ongoing.