Prosecutors announced on 23/1 that they had suspended the initial investigation into sexual assault allegations against Julio Iglesias in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. The prosecutor's office concluded that Spanish courts lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.

The case originated on 5/1 when the prosecutor's office received a formal accusation against Julio Iglesias from an anonymous party. Earlier this month, Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation into allegations that the singer, in his 80s, sexually assaulted two former employees working at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, between 1/2021 and 10/2021.

Julio Iglesias is one of the world's most successful singers with a celebrated music career. Photo: Hollywood Reporter

The two women, represented by the non-governmental organization Women's Link Worldwide, accused Julio Iglesias of "sexual harassment and human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor and servitude". The organization stated that in their testimonies, the women also accused him of regularly checking their mobile phones, prohibiting them from the residence where they worked, and demanding they work up to 16 hours a day without contracts or days off.

The organization reported that they did not contact authorities in the Bahamas or the Dominican Republic, choosing instead to report directly to the Spanish prosecutor's office. The press office of the Madrid high court stated that, by law, Spanish courts have jurisdiction to try alleged crimes committed by Spanish citizens while abroad. Spanish prosecutors subsequently decided to take statements from the two women and granted them protected witness status.

Immediately after these accusations were made public, Julio denied them on his personal Instagram: "I am deeply saddened to have to address these allegations from two people who once worked in my home. I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are completely false and cause me great sorrow". He expressed that he had "never experienced such cruelty" but possessed the strength to tell the full truth and defend his dignity against "this serious insult", Iglesias wrote on social media.

Following the case's dismissal on 23/1, the singer has not yet commented. Nevertheless, the accusations significantly impacted his exemplary career. As soon as the allegations came under investigation by the Prosecutor's Office, Spain's culture minister stated last week that the government prioritizes women's rights and equality. They would consider revoking the state's Gold Medal for Fine Arts, which Iglesias received in 2010.

Julio Iglesias, 82, has been one of the world's most successful singers for decades since his debut album "Yo Canto" in 1969. He has sold over 300 million records in more than 10 languages.

After starting his career in Spain, Iglesias achieved widespread fame in the US and globally during the 1970s and 1980s, partly due to duets with American artists like Willie Nelson and Diana Ross. He received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2019 and won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Performance in 1988 for his album "Un Hombre Solo".

He is also the father of pop star Enrique Iglesias.

Hai Thu (According to ABC, El Pais, El Diaro, Guardian)