82-year-old Julio Iglesias accused of sexualised abuse
The alleged incidents reportedly took place in 2021
Legendary Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has found himself at the centre of a major scandal. The 82-year-old artist has been accused of sexualised abuse, with formal complaints filed with Spain’s National Court, the Audiencia Nacional, in Madrid. The news was reported by The Sun, citing court documents.
The lawsuit was brought by two former employees of Iglesias’ private estates, who are identified under the pseudonyms Laura and Rebekka. The women allege that during their employment they were subjected to physical and psychological abuse, forced sexual acts, and involvement in alcohol-fuelled sex parties. According to their statements, these experiences left them feeling like «slaves» and «dolls».
Court materials indicate that the alleged incidents occurred in 2021, when Iglesias, then 77, was married to Dutch model Miranda Rijnsburger, 55. The claimants state that the abuse took place at the singer’s luxury residences in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and in Lyford Cay in the Bahamas.
According to the women, the recruitment process itself raised serious concerns: a representative of the artist allegedly requested photographs of their faces and bodies. They further claim that Iglesias later asked intrusive sexual questions and subsequently engaged in inappropriate physical contact.
In testimony published by elDiario.es, Rebekka states that she was subjected to forced sexual acts that caused her physical pain. She also describes situations in which she was offered alcohol prior to incidents involving other female staff members. According to her account, Iglesias compelled her to provide sexual services for several hours, allegedly justifying this by citing the need to alleviate chronic back pain – a consequence of a car accident decades earlier that ended his promising football career.
Rebekka further claims that she was forbidden from having romantic relationships while working for him and was required to hand over her phone for checks of private WhatsApp messages. Following her dismissal, she says, a neuropsychologist diagnosed her with dysthymic disorder, a form of chronic depression.
The second claimant, Laura, alleges that Iglesias made degrading and sexualised remarks and boasted to her about actions he had allegedly committed against Rebekka, later dismissing them as «jokes».
Laura states that her employment began with a phone call from a man with a strong Spanish accent who introduced himself as Julio Iglesias and asked: «Are you ready for your life to change?» While the initial interaction was friendly, she claims the tone soon shifted dramatically. Within two weeks, Iglesias allegedly demanded that she expose her breasts and questioned her about possible cosmetic surgery. Although she initially refused, Laura says she was forced to comply following verbal abuse. She emphasises that the situation did not escalate into full sexual intercourse, though the singer’s behaviour became increasingly aggressive over time.
At present, the Spanish public prosecutor’s office is reviewing the case to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring formal charges. Julio Iglesias has not yet issued any public statement regarding the allegations.
Photo: Instagram @julioiglesias
