Additional Coverage:
- Julio Iglesias calls assault allegations ‘absolutely false’ after accusers come forward (foxnews.com)
Julio Iglesias vehemently denies assault allegations by former employees
Spanish music icon Julio Iglesias has issued a strong denial against allegations of physical and sexual assault made by two former live-in employees. The accusations, stemming from their time working at his Caribbean residences between January and October 2021, were brought to light in a joint interview published by ElDiario.es and Univision Noticias.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Iglesias described the allegations as “absolutely false” and expressed profound sadness. “With deep regret, 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,” the statement, originally in Spanish, began.
The “Spanish Girl” singer further stated, “I had never experienced such malice, but I still have the strength for people to know the full truth and to defend my dignity against such a serious affront.” He also extended gratitude to those who have offered him support, noting, “I have felt great comfort in them.”
The Spanish prosecutors’ office confirmed to The Associated Press that it received formal allegations against Iglesias from an anonymous individual on January 5. The two accusers, identified by the pseudonyms Rebecca and Laura, are being represented by Women’s Link Worldwide, a non-profit organization.
Rebecca shared her motivations for coming forward in a statement obtained by AP. She cited three reasons: “The first is for myself: for how difficult this process has been and for everything I have had to face in order to overcome it.
The second is for the women who work in his homes: I want to tell them to be strong, to raise their voices, to remember that he is not invincible. And the third, for my country [the Dominican Republic]: so that something like this never happens again and so that he understands that he cannot come and do whatever he wants without facing the consequences.”
Laura echoed similar sentiments, stating, “My goal is to ensure that no woman ever suffers this kind of abuse from him again. I want to send the message that women are victims and survivors, not perpetrators or guilty parties.”
Iglesias, an 82-year-old two-time Grammy winner and father of singer Enrique Iglesias, is a celebrated figure in Latin music, having been inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.