Spanish singer Julio Iglesias denies abuse accusations

Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has denied having abused two former domestic employees who have filed a criminal complaint against him, describing the accusations as false in a social media post late on Thursday.



The prosecutor's office of Spain's High Court has said it has opened preliminary proceedings over the complaint, which a rights group said involved human trafficking for forced labour and servitude, sexual abuse and violations of workers' rights.



"I deny having abused, coerced or disrespected any woman. These accusations are completely false and cause me great sadness," Iglesias, 82, said in a statement bearing his signature posted on his Instagram profile.



Iglesias - one of the world's best-selling Latin artists with more than 300 million records sold in 14 languages - added he had found "great comfort" in messages of support.