Victor Willis, the lone remaining original member of the Village People, articulated his discomfort with Trump’s use of their music at rallies, stating that he could no longer ignore the situation. He emphasized that, given the political climate, he had to take a stand. 'Sorry, but I can no longer look the other way,' he expressed in a post in June 2020, highlighting his unease with the appropriation of their songs for political purposes.
In 2020, the Village People publicly distanced themselves from Trump, declaring they 'certainly don't endorse' his use of their music. They stressed their preference that their music be kept out of politics, reflecting the discomfort that many artists feel when their work intersects with divisive political figures. The band's public statements illustrated a commitment to their values and a desire to protect their brand's association with the LGBTQ community.
In 2023, the dynamic changed when Willis's wife sent a cease-and-desist letter regarding the unauthorized performance at Mar-a-Lago. The letter emphasized the need to prevent public confusion regarding any endorsement by the Village People. 'Though my husband has tolerated your client’s use of his Village People music, we cannot allow such use by him to cause public confusion as to endorsement,' it stated, showcasing the ongoing tension between the band and Trump.
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