A Spanish High Court prosecutor has launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations against legendary singer Julio Iglesias. The probe follows media reports detailing accusations from two former female employees.
Details of the Allegations and Investigation
The prosecutor's office in Madrid confirmed it opened preliminary proceedings on January 5, after a formal claim was filed. The case details are currently protected by judicial secrecy rules, limiting the information officials can release.
The allegations stem from a joint three-year investigation published on Tuesday by U.S. broadcaster Univision and Spanish digital outlet elDiario.es. The report cites two women who worked at Iglesias's Caribbean residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas for a ten-month period in 2021.
According to the media outlets, both women reported suffering sexual assault and workplace harassment while employed by the 82-year-old music icon. The reports allege Iglesias pressured them into sexual encounters and subjected them to additional physical and verbal abuse.
Reactions and Fallout in Spain
The allegations have ignited a fierce reaction in Spain, where Iglesias is revered as a national treasure and one of the world's best-selling Latin artists, with over 300 million records sold.
Ana Redondo, Spain's Equality Minister from the Socialist party, issued a statement respecting the presumption of innocence but expressing belief in the women's testimony. "He's a great singer but people can have a dark side," she said, praising the women for coming forward.
The political divide widened when the leftist party Mas Madrid suggested the right-wing regional government should revoke the keys to the city awarded to Iglesias. The singer has historically supported conservative candidates.
In a furious response on social media platform X, Madrid's regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso defended Iglesias, stating, "The Community of Madrid will never contribute to attacks on the prestige of artists, not least the most universal singer of all: Julio Iglesias."
Silence from the Accused
There has been no immediate public comment from Julio Iglesias or his representatives in response to the investigation or the media reports. Reuters reported receiving no reply to emails sent to his team seeking comment.
Similarly, Sony Music, the star's long-time record label, declined to comment on the unfolding situation. Iglesias, a former aspiring soccer player who turned to music after a 1963 car accident ended his sports career, now faces a serious legal and reputational challenge late in his life.
