Spanish Prosecutors Investigate Julio Iglesias Over Alleged Sexual Assault
Spanish prosecutors are examining allegations that renowned singer Julio Iglesias sexually assaulted two former employees at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The allegations, which were reported in the media earlier this week, claim that Iglesias sexually and physically assaulted the two women who worked in his Caribbean residences between January and October 2021.
The Spanish prosecutor’s office confirmed that it had received formal allegations against Iglesias on January 5 and is currently studying the case. Iglesias, who has not publicly commented on the allegations, could potentially face trial in the Madrid-based National Court, which has jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed by Spanish citizens abroad.
Allegations of Forced Labor and Servitude
Women’s Link Worldwide, a non-governmental organization representing the two women, stated that they are accusing Iglesias of “crimes against sexual freedom and indemnity such as sexual harassment” and “human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor and servitude.” The organization claimed that the women were subjected to regular cellphone checks, prohibited from leaving the house where they worked, and forced to work up to 16 hours a day without a contract or days off.
Gema Fernández, senior attorney at Women’s Link Worldwide, explained that Spanish legislation regarding sexual violence, gender-based violence, and trafficking could be an option for the two women. “Listening to what they are seeking and their definitions of justice, it seems to us that filing a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court of Spain was the path that best suited their definition of justice,” Fernández said.
A Singer Under Scrutiny
Spanish online newspaper elDiario.es and Spanish-language television channel Univision Noticias published a joint investigation into Iglesias’ alleged misconduct. The two women initially contacted elDiario.es, which advised them to seek legal help. Spanish government spokeswoman Elma Saiz stated that the media reports regarding Iglesias “demanded respect” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing violence, harassment, or aggression against women.
The 82-year-old Iglesias is one of the world’s most successful musical artists, having sold over 300 million records in more than a dozen languages. He won a Grammy Award in 1988 and received a lifetime achievement award in 2019. Spain’s culture minister is considering stripping Iglesias of the state’s Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts, which he was awarded in 2010.
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