Results of Three-Year Investigative Reporting by Local Media Revealed
Allegations of Habitual Sexual Harassment During Employment
No Official Statement Yet from Iglesias or His Representatives
Julio Iglesias, Spain's "National Singer" and a global Latin pop star, aged 82, is under investigation by Spanish prosecutors over allegations of habitual sexual assault against former employees. On January 15, Yonhap News, citing international outlets including The New York Times (NYT), reported that Spanish prosecutors are investigating claims that Iglesias sexually harassed and assaulted employees he had hired.
On January 5, two of Iglesias's former employees filed a complaint with Spain's High Court, requesting that Iglesias be prosecuted. The complainants, who are from the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, reportedly stated that while working as a housekeeper and a physical therapist in 2021, they were coerced by supervisors into having sexual relations with Iglesias.
On the same day, two Spanish media outlets released the results of an investigative report into the allegations of sexual assault against Iglesias, based on nearly three years of reporting. According to the report, 15 victims who participated in the investigation testified that Iglesias selected employees based on their appearance and that there was a persistent atmosphere of intimidation and sexual harassment, including inappropriate questions about sexual preferences and bodies during the hiring process and while working.
The victims, who worked for Iglesias from the late 1990s to 2023, some of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, specifically claimed that they "were subjected to sexual abuse almost every night." Elma Saiz, Spain's Minister of Labor and Social Economy, stated at a press conference following the disclosure of these allegations, "There should be no place in society where such acts go unpunished," and emphasized, "The government will not turn a blind eye to these issues." As of now, Iglesias and his representatives have not issued an official statement regarding the sexual assault allegations.
Julio Iglesias has won Grammy Awards for his Spanish and English albums and has sold over 300 million albums worldwide. With his sweet melodies and powerful voice, he has achieved great success in Spain, Latin America, and the United States, earning him the title "Legend of Latin Pop."
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