The decision, detailed in a written statement by prosecutors, marks a significant procedural turning point in a high-profile case that surfaced in mid-January 2026. The initial inquiry was opened after a formal complaint was lodged with Spain’s National Court on Jan. 5, 2026, by the nongovernmental organization Women’s Link Worldwide on behalf of two former employees.
Jurisdictional Hurdles and Legal Scope
According to the National Court’s prosecutors, the inquiry could not proceed because “all of the allegedly criminal acts would have occurred outside Spanish territory, specifically in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas,” as reported by the New York Times and cited by Newser. Furthermore, prosecutors noted that the two accusers neither reside in Spain nor maintain their center of life, interests, or activity within the country.
The allegations first came to light following a three-year joint investigation published in January 2026 by Spanish online newspaper elDiario.es and television channel Univision Noticias. The investigation featured accounts from two former staff members—a domestic worker and a physical therapist identified by the pseudonyms “Rebeca” and “Laura”—who accused the 82-year-old singer of sexual assault, harassment, and human trafficking during their employment at his Caribbean residences in Punta Cana and Lyford Cay between January and October 2021.
Artist's Response and Broader Institutional Repercussions
Throughout the proceedings, Iglesias strongly denied the accusations. Responding via Instagram, the singer called the claims “absolutely false” and maintained that he had never “abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman,” vowing to defend his dignity against what he termed a serious affront. Legal representatives for the artist did not immediately respond to initial media requests for comment following the publication of the investigative report.
The allegations also prompted broader institutional reactions in Spain. Government spokeswoman Elma Saiz stated following the initial reports that the allegations demanded respect and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating violence against women. Additionally, Spain’s culture minister indicated that the administration would study whether to strip Iglesias of the state’s Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts, which he was awarded in 2010.
While the Spanish legal avenue has been closed due to territorial limitations, representatives for the accusers have noted that it remains unclear whether formal investigations will be initiated in the Dominican Republic or the Bahamas, where the alleged acts took place.