Spanish prosecutors have dropped a criminal complaint against renowned singer Julio Iglesias, citing a lack of jurisdiction as the alleged offences took place outside of Spain. The complaint was filed by two former employees who accused the 82-year-old artist of sexual assault and human trafficking at his Caribbean mansions.
In a decision issued on Friday, prosecutors argued that Spanish courts “lacked jurisdiction” since the purported incidents did not occur within the country’s borders. However, the filing noted that the case could potentially be pursued in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, where the alleged abuses took place.
The allegations surfaced following a three-year joint investigation by the Spanish news outlet elDiario.es and the Spanish-language TV network Univision Noticias. The probe gathered testimonies from 15 former employees who worked for Iglesias between the late 1990s and 2023.
Two complainants, a domestic worker and a physical therapist, had filed their case with prosecutors at Spain’s highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional. One of the women, using the pseudonym Rebeca, claimed that Iglesias, who was 77 at the time, would frequently summon her to his room and sexually assault her without her consent.
Another woman, known as Laura, alleged that Iglesias kissed her on the mouth and touched her breasts without her permission. The investigation also uncovered documents suggesting that Iglesias had allegedly ordered some of his employees to undergo tests for sexually transmitted diseases.
In response to the allegations, the legendary singer, whose career spans six decades, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. In an Instagram statement posted a week ago, Iglesias wrote: “With great regret, I am responding to the allegations from two people who used to work in my house. I have never abused, coerced or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and pain me deeply.”
Despite the prosecutors’ decision to shelve the case, the allegations have undoubtedly cast a shadow over Iglesias’ illustrious career. The Spanish courts’ lack of jurisdiction, however, means that the complainants may now seek justice in the jurisdictions where the alleged incidents took place.
