In Spain, the name Julio Iglesias is once again making headlines, but this time not for his musical achievements. A story that began with serious allegations against the singer has taken a dramatic turn: the National Court (Audiencia Nacional) prosecutor’s office has decided to close the investigation involving two of the artist’s former employees. The women claimed they were victims of sexual harassment, exploitation, and other serious violations while working at Iglesias’s residences outside Spain.
The scandal erupted after media outlets revealed in January 2026 details of a lengthy investigation in which two former employees from the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas accused the famous Spaniard of a series of serious crimes. According to them, the incidents took place between January and October 2021, during their employment at the singer’s homes in Punta Cana and Lyford Cay. The women reported sexual harassment, forced labor, humiliation, and violations of labor rights.
Jurisdiction in question
However, Spanish prosecutors quickly made it clear that local courts lack the authority to handle this case. In an official statement, they noted that neither the alleged victims nor the suspect are residents of Spain, and that the incidents themselves occurred abroad. Furthermore, the document stressed that investigations into such crimes must be conducted in the countries where they allegedly took place.
The agency refers to the position of the Supreme Court, which has repeatedly stated that if there are no substantial connections between Spain and the incident, local authorities cannot intervene. This is especially true when it involves citizens of other countries who do not reside in Spain, and when a possible investigation is already underway or could be initiated in the appropriate jurisdiction.
Accusations and defense
At the center of attention were not only the statements of former employees but also the reaction of Julio Iglesias himself. After several days of silence, the singer made a public statement denying all accusations and declaring his innocence. Shortly after, he released excerpts from personal correspondence with the accusers, attempting to prove there was no conflict and emphasizing that his relationships with them were strictly professional.
Тем временем адвокаты женщин настаивали: собранные ими доказательства и свидетельства могут указывать на целый ряд преступлений, включая торговлю людьми, принуждение к труду, сексуальные домогательства и нанесение телесных повреждений. К делу подключились правозащитные организации, которые сопровождали процесс и добились для своих подопечных статуса защищённых свидетельниц.
Reaction and consequences
While the public was discussing the details of the scandal, Iglesias’s lawyer appealed to the prosecutor’s office, demanding that the Spanish authorities be declared incompetent to handle the case. He also requested copies of all case materials, arguing that information about the investigation had already become available to third parties. As a result, after several weeks of proceedings, the prosecutor’s office officially closed the case, citing the impossibility of considering it in Spain.
The decision sparked a storm of emotions among human rights activists and ordinary citizens. Some believe the case was closed prematurely, while others are convinced the investigation should continue, but in other countries. The singer himself, despite the wave of criticism, maintains his innocence and is determined to defend his reputation to the end.
