An investigation by elDiario.es and Univision reveals testimonies from two former employees accusing Julio Iglesias of sexual assaults in his Caribbean mansions in 2021. The complaint filed with the Audiencia Nacional has sparked divided political reactions and global coverage, linking him to the Me Too movement. While the government demands a thorough investigation, Isabel Díaz Ayuso defends the singer.
The investigation published on January 13, 2026, by elDiario.es in collaboration with Univision details accusations from two women, a domestic worker and a physiotherapist, who worked in Julio Iglesias' residences in Santo Domingo and Bahamas. They describe an atmosphere of 'harassment, control, and terror', including inappropriate touching, non-consensual penetrations, slaps, insults, and humiliations in 2021, when one was 22 years old. The organization Women’s Link Worldwide filed a complaint on January 5 with the Audiencia Nacional Prosecutor's Office for sexual assault and human trafficking.
Over 1,100 media outlets in Spain and the United States have covered the story, with 40 from the U.S. The Times headlined: “Julio Iglesias, accused of sexually abusing employees in the 'house of terror'”. The Guardian mentions “inappropriate touching, insults, and humiliations”. The New York Times describes a “climate of intimidation, abuse, and harassment”. The Independent labels him the “latest celebrity linked to the Me Too scandal”. French newspapers like Libération refer to “penetrations” and “slaps”.
In Spain, Equality Minister Ana Redondo demanded investigation “to the end”: “Faced with machismo, we cannot look the other way”. Yolanda Díaz called the testimonies “chilling”, highlighting “sexual abuses and a situation of slavery”. Ione Belarra stressed breaking the silence on “famous aggressors”. Más Madrid and the PSOE call for revoking Iglesias' medals. In contrast, Isabel Díaz Ayuso defended: “The Community of Madrid will never contribute to the disrepute of the most universal singer: Julio Iglesias”.
Iglesias' entourage, like Jaime Peñafiel, denies the accusations: “Absolutely false, he never needed to abuse”. María Eugenia Yagüe and Makoke describe him as respectful. The publisher Libros del Asteroide will release a revised edition of his biography. Iglesias has not responded to the media.
