Former staff members of Julio Iglesias have leveled serious accusations against the renowned Spanish singer. Two women have come forward, alleging sexual assault and harassment while working for Iglesias at his luxurious residences in the Caribbean. The incidents reportedly took place in 2021, when the women were employed in domestic roles.
Allegations of Sexual Assault by Julio Iglesias
The allegations involve a 22-year-old woman, referred to as Rebeca, who described being coerced into sexual encounters with Iglesias. She claimed that the singer, at the age of 77, summoned her to his room repeatedly, where she endured unwanted physical contact and sexual penetration. Rebeca stated, “I felt like an object, like a slave.”
- Location of Allegations: Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) and Lyford Cay (Bahamas).
- Timeframe: Alleged assaults occurred in 2021.
- Age of Victim: The assaulted woman was 22 years old at the time.
Another former employee, identified as Laura, recounted similar experiences. She described being kissed and fondled against her will while working in the singer’s presence. Laura also highlighted the mistreatment and humiliation she faced daily, which created a hostile work environment.
Impact of the Allegations
The accusers indicated that they felt threatened and silenced during their employment and reported these incidents to a human rights organization without media involvement. Their experiences reflect a broader culture of intimidation within Iglesias’ employ, designed to maintain control over his staff.
Responses and Lack of Communication
Attempts by El-Balad and Univision Noticias to contact Iglesias and his legal team for comments have gone unanswered. An individual identified as Iglesias’ manager has denied the allegations, calling them falsehoods. Despite these denials, numerous testimonies from ex-employees back the claims of a toxic work environment.
Environment of Abuse and Control
According to the testimonies, Iglesias maintained a controlling atmosphere where staff feared losing their jobs. Employees experienced long hours without formal contracts and were often forced to comply with unreasonable demands under the threat of reprimand.
- Control Tactics: Staff were forbidden from having personal relationships, taking photos, or leaving the premises without permission.
- Work Conditions: Many reported working shifts ranging from 10 to 16 hours a day.
Rebeca stated that the atmosphere felt like living in a “house of terror”, initially seeing the luxurious surroundings as a dream job but quickly realizing the oppressive reality behind closed doors.
Call for Awareness and Support
The allegations against Julio Iglesias underscore the importance of addressing workplace abuse. The former employees are now advocating for stronger protections for vulnerable workers in similar situations. Their experiences serve as a warning to future employees about the potential dangers in seeking work within such environments.
As the investigation progresses, both women hope to shed light on the issue and prevent others from enduring similar abuse, stressing the need for an open dialogue about the realities faced by workers in the entertainment industry.
If you are aware of similar incidents or need support, please reach out to local advocacy groups or hotlines where confidential advice and assistance can be found.
