Julio Iglesias has always been more than just a successful singer. Over time, his name became a global brand, recognizable almost anywhere in the world, linked to a very specific idea and values: elegance, international success, and a seductive masculinity that for years was an essential part of his public persona.
That is precisely why the investigations published by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias have had such a significant impact. It's not just about serious accusations against a famous person, but a direct clash between the narrative Iglesias has promoted for years and the testimonies of former domestic workers in his employ. That contrast is what makes the case particularly sensitive.
This is, arguably, the most complicated scenario for any public figure: when the narrative that sustains a personal brand clashes with detailed accounts backed by journalistic investigation. At that point, the discussion stops being solely about concrete facts and begins to question the myth that has been accepted for decades.
Julio Iglesias's persona is based on a very specific idea of power: a kind power, wrapped in success, fame, and closeness. A form of authority that seemed natural and charming. That narrative worked for a long time because it fit the social context of other eras and was rarely questioned, but the testimonies gathered by the investigation paint a different reality, one in which that power is exercised in private over young women in situations of labor vulnerability.
The reaction, or rather, the lack thereof, also weighs heavily. The absolute silence from the artist and their entourage has had a clear effect on public opinion. At a time when, at a minimum, an explanation is expected, saying nothing creates more distance and fuels distrust. Silence, far from calming the controversy, leaves room for others to construct the narrative and define how the situation is interpreted.
Another important point is the impact on his legacy. From now on, his songs, old interviews, and public appearances will be viewed from another perspective. Not because what was said or done at the time changes, but because the context from which it is observed today changes, and the meaning of certain gestures and words is transformed
For years, certain behaviors were tolerated, relativized, or simply overlooked when accompanied by success, talent, or renown. Today, that margin of tolerance is much smaller, and the power dynamics that were once normalized are now openly questioned.
Beyond what happens in the courts, there is an element that already seems irreversible: the damage to his reputation. Public image, once shattered, is rarely the same again. And after so many years, the untouchable figure ceases to be so,