Related videos:
Spanish singer Julio Iglesias denied the allegations made by two women who worked in his home, after several media outlets published an investigation accusing him of alleged harassment and abuse.
"With deep regret, I respond to the accusations made by two individuals who previously worked in my household. I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and cause me great sadness," the artist stated on Instagram.
"I had never felt such malice, but I still have the strength to ensure that people know the whole truth and to defend my dignity in the face of such a grave offense," he added in the post.
He also expressed gratitude for the support received after the accusations: "I cannot forget so many dear people who have sent me messages of affection and loyalty; I have felt a great deal of comfort from them."
The artist's reaction comes after ElDiario.es and Univisión made public a three-year investigation in which they interviewed 15 former employees of the singer. Among them are the two plaintiffs, identified by the fictitious names "Rebeca" and "Laura," who worked as a domestic worker and a physiotherapist, respectively.
According to the report, both women claimed to have been victims of harassment and sexual assault, as well as labor mistreatment that included shifts of up to 16 hours a day without breaks, lack of contracts, and restrictions on mobility. They also alleged that Iglesias would check their mobile phones and limit their outings under the pretext of preventing contagion during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both women reportedly filed a complaint with the Prosecutor's Office of the National Court regarding alleged abuses and irregular working conditions, and the Public Prosecutor's Office opened a criminal investigation on January 5 to determine the veracity of the claims.
Filed under: