Spanish singer Julio Iglesias says abuse allegations ‘absolutely false’

Iglesias subjected them to “sexual harassment, regularly checked their mobile phones, restricted their ability to leave the home where they worked, and required them to work up to 16 hours a day without days off”, according to testimony collected by the two groups.

In the message posted on Instagram, Iglesias wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I respond to the accusations made by two people who previously worked for me.

“I have never felt such malice, but I still have the strength to let people know the whole truth and to defend my dignity against such a serious accusation,” he said, thanking the “so many dear people” who have sent him messages of support.

The allegations against the crooner have sparked strong reactions in Spain, with members of the leftist Government backing the complainants and demanding an investigation establishes the truth.

The head of the conservative opposition Popular Party, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, who is friends with Iglesias, told Telecinco television on Wednesday he was “very, very, very surprised” but urged against “speculating”.

Iglesias’ former manager Fernan Martinez told Telecinco that the singer was “very affectionate” and enjoyed “physical contact” but stressed he never saw the music icon “behave aggressively”.

– Agence France-Presse