Julio Iglesias Faces New Sexual Assault Complaint in Spain

Rebeca and Laura, the pseudonyms of two former employees of Julio Iglesias, filed a criminal complaint in Spain on September 3 seeking an investigation into allegations of sexual violence, labor exploitation and human trafficking linked to their work at the singer’s properties in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas in 2021.

The complaint was submitted with the support of Women’s Link Worldwide before the Investigating Division of Spain’s Central Court of First Instance. The organization said the women are also requesting specific protective measures while the judicial process moves forward.

A New Judicial Route After the Previous Case Was Closed

The latest legal action follows an earlier complaint filed with Spain’s Public Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court in January. Prosecutors closed that proceeding after concluding that Spanish courts lacked territorial jurisdiction because the alleged events occurred outside Spain and the women are foreign nationals who do not live in the country.

The earlier decision did not address the substance of the allegations. The new complaint instead asks a Spanish court to determine whether an investigation should be opened and whether Spanish jurisdiction can apply to the case.

Women’s Link argues that Spanish courts have grounds to act under Article 23 of Spain’s Organic Law of the Judiciary, which can allow Spanish authorities to investigate certain crimes committed abroad when relevant legal connections to Spain exist. The organization also points to international human rights obligations ratified by Spain.

Allegations Involving Properties in the Dominican Republic

The women say the alleged abuse took place while they were working for Iglesias at residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. One worked in domestic service and the other as a personal physiotherapist.

According to the complaint, the women allege that Iglesias used his position of power and their vulnerability to recruit, transport and accommodate them at his properties, where they say they experienced a climate of intimidation. They also describe alleged ongoing sexual harassment and assaults, along with forced and degrading working conditions.

The complaint identifies possible offenses including human trafficking for forced labor and servitude, crimes against sexual freedom and integrity, injuries, degrading treatment and violations of workers’ rights.

Women’s Link Executive Director Jovana Ríos Cisneros said ensuring that the women can pursue justice safely and with dignity is essential, particularly in cases involving alleged gender-based violence and abuse of power.

What Happens Next

The court will now review the information presented in the complaint and determine whether to open a formal investigation. That decision will also address the question of whether Spanish courts have jurisdiction over alleged events that occurred in other countries.

The case has drawn attention to the legal difficulties involved when alleged crimes take place across national borders. For the Dominican Republic, the allegations concern events said to have occurred at private properties in the country in 2021, while the current judicial proceedings are being pursued in Spain.

Rebeca and Laura have maintained their allegations through the new legal action and are seeking protection during the proceedings. Iglesias has previously denied the accusations, while the allegations remain subject to judicial review.