Victor Wills, the lead singer of ostensibly one of Donald Trump’s favorite bands, the Village People, is once again asking Trump to stop using his music.
A letter from Village People manager (and Willis’ wife), Karen Willis, specifically calls out a recent video from Mar-a-Lago showing Trump dancing along to the Village People’s “Macho Man” while a group of people — dressed up just like the Village People — dance behind him.
The Village People lead singer sent Trump a cease and desist over a performance of "Macho Man" at Mar-a-Lago: pic.
A letter from Village People manager (and Willis’ wife), Karen Willis, specifically calls out a recent video from Mar-a-Lago showing Trump dancing along to the Village People’s “Macho Man” while a group of people — dressed up just like the Village People — dance behind him.
The Village People lead singer sent Trump a cease and desist over a performance of "Macho Man" at Mar-a-Lago: pic.
- 5/15/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
It’s time to make “Y.M.C.A.” great again. People in the streets of Philadelphia are dancing to “Y.M.C.A.” in celebration of the news that Joe Biden has taken the lead in Pennsylvania. That means he’s nearly clinched the presidential race — hopefully to be called tonight. The Village People’s Seventies disco classic is extra spicy because Donald Trump spent the year using “Y.M.C.A.” at his campaign rallies as his theme song, along with another Village People classic, “Macho Man.” For any disco fan,...
- 11/6/2020
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
President Donald Trump is heading into election day with a singular message: “It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.” Pinned to the top of his ever-prolific Twitter feed is a jaunty compilation of him awkwardly undulating to the 1978 Village People classic.
If you’ve been on Twitter at all these past few weeks, you’ll have noticed that Trump often busts out the moves to “Y.M.C.A.” and other Village People songs at his rallies — to the point where his dancing was recently spoofed...
If you’ve been on Twitter at all these past few weeks, you’ll have noticed that Trump often busts out the moves to “Y.M.C.A.” and other Village People songs at his rallies — to the point where his dancing was recently spoofed...
- 11/3/2020
- by Brenna Ehrlich
- Rollingstone.com
Eminem has allowed the use of his Oscar-winning song “Lose Yourself“ for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, a rare case where he has allowed such use of his work.
The singer, aka Marshall Mathers, also tweeted out the spot with the message, “One opportunity… #Vote”
One opportunity… #Vote https://t.co/sCUhq4dvAN
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) November 2, 2020
Other musicians also have authorized the use of their music in campaign spots. Taylor Swift allowed “Only the Young” to be used in a Biden/Harris spot send out by Rep. Eric Swalwell’s leadership Pac. Beastie Boys authorized the Biden campaign’s use of the song “Sabotage,” but the spot was reportedly taken down after one of the figures shown in the spot received a backlash from Trump supporters.
The 45-second spot featuring Eminem’s work is called “One Opportunity,” is aimed at getting out the vote. It features images of Biden and his campaign bus,...
The singer, aka Marshall Mathers, also tweeted out the spot with the message, “One opportunity… #Vote”
One opportunity… #Vote https://t.co/sCUhq4dvAN
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) November 2, 2020
Other musicians also have authorized the use of their music in campaign spots. Taylor Swift allowed “Only the Young” to be used in a Biden/Harris spot send out by Rep. Eric Swalwell’s leadership Pac. Beastie Boys authorized the Biden campaign’s use of the song “Sabotage,” but the spot was reportedly taken down after one of the figures shown in the spot received a backlash from Trump supporters.
The 45-second spot featuring Eminem’s work is called “One Opportunity,” is aimed at getting out the vote. It features images of Biden and his campaign bus,...
- 11/2/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update poked fun at Donald Trump’s frequent use of the Village People’s music at his rallies — despite the group’s Victor Willis calling for the president to cease playing their music — by having cast members dress up as the disco quintet for a new version of “Y.M.C.A.”
Kenan Thompson, who played the role of Willis/the police officer in the musical sketch, and the rest of the “Village People” (Mikey Day, Beck Bennett, Chris Redd, Bowen Yang) issued warnings to Trump,...
Kenan Thompson, who played the role of Willis/the police officer in the musical sketch, and the rest of the “Village People” (Mikey Day, Beck Bennett, Chris Redd, Bowen Yang) issued warnings to Trump,...
- 10/25/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Victor Willis, vocalist and co-founder of disco greats the Village People, told President Donald Trump to stop using two of the group’s most famous songs, “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” at his rallies.
In a Facebook post last week, Willis said the decision came after Trump had law enforcement officers clear peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square with tear gas, batons and explosive devices so he could take a photo in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Demonstrators had gathered in Lafayette Square to protest police brutality...
In a Facebook post last week, Willis said the decision came after Trump had law enforcement officers clear peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square with tear gas, batons and explosive devices so he could take a photo in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Demonstrators had gathered in Lafayette Square to protest police brutality...
- 6/8/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
LL Cool J usually spends his New Year’s Eve watching the ball drop at home, but for 2020 he decided to go big and ring in the new decade performing live with DJ Z-Trip in Times Square as part of “Fox’s New Year’s Eve with Steve Harvey.” The show broadcast from New York City Tuesday night with a lineup that included the Village People (going for the world record of the most people doing the “Ymca” dance), the Chainsmokers, the Lumineers, Florida Georgia Line, the Backstreet Boys, Tyga, the Killers, Lauren Alaina and more.
Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Maria Menounos and Fox Sports analyst Rob Gronkowski, the special also boasted appearances by Gordon Ramsay, Will Arnett, Jenna Dewan and WWE Superstars, including Roman Reigns, participating in an exclusive WWE match.
“For many years, people would ask me to do it, and I decided it would be fun...
Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Maria Menounos and Fox Sports analyst Rob Gronkowski, the special also boasted appearances by Gordon Ramsay, Will Arnett, Jenna Dewan and WWE Superstars, including Roman Reigns, participating in an exclusive WWE match.
“For many years, people would ask me to do it, and I decided it would be fun...
- 1/1/2020
- by Michele Amabile Angermiller
- Variety Film + TV
Henri Belolo, a music producer and co-creator of the Village People, died on Saturday, New York Daily News reports. He was 82.
“I am devastated by the untimely death of Henri Belolo who was my former producer, mentor and co-creator of Village People,” lead singer Victor Willis said in a statement to Rolling Stone. ” Henri who actually died on August 3, 2019, leaves an impressive body of work that helped shape the disco genre, and as a record executive, he was par excellence. A private funeral was held already in France [in] Paris, but...
“I am devastated by the untimely death of Henri Belolo who was my former producer, mentor and co-creator of Village People,” lead singer Victor Willis said in a statement to Rolling Stone. ” Henri who actually died on August 3, 2019, leaves an impressive body of work that helped shape the disco genre, and as a record executive, he was par excellence. A private funeral was held already in France [in] Paris, but...
- 8/7/2019
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Brace yourself for the morning of Sept. 27, when a viral video of #TeamInternet’s “A-list” performing “Y.M.C.A.” will clog your timelines. Blame the Village People. The supergroup that arrived thirty years before YouTube had a shot at making them famous will be closing the 2017 Streamy Awards, online video’s premiere industry awards show. Also Read: YouTube Hires Tom Blessington to Lead Brand Strategy and Integrated Marketing The group will perform a medley of their greatest hits with frontman and original lead singer Victor Willis. The show-closing performance at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills will mark Willis...
- 9/13/2017
- by Mikey Glazer
- The Wrap
The Village People's Og lineup of costumed characters was gettin' a little long in the tooth ... so they added a young man to the lineup ... and he's Asian. VP is unveiling its latest addition to the "Ymca" crew -- a new construction worker named James Qwong, a 6'2" Chinese model/actor ... and the first Asian man in the Village People. Lead singer Victor Willis -- who recently returned to the group after a legal...
- 8/23/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Is there a top-secret Grammy Awards committee designed to ensure African-American nominees don’t win too many big awards at the expense of white artists? That’s the bombshell allegation being made by Victor Willis, a.k.a. former lead singer with The Village People (he was the cop) on such disco hits as “Ymca” and “Macho Man”. As reported by […]...
- 2/17/2017
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
4:00 Pm Pt -- The Recording Academy tells us it has no "secret committees," and adds there's plenty of info regarding the Nominations Review Committees (to which our post refers) on its website. A spokesperson says members of the Review Committee "are not disclosed to ensure fairness and neutrality." This prevents them from being lobbied.A secret committee for the Grammys is in place to undermine the rank-and-file voters if they choose to give plum...
- 2/16/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Victor Willis -- the cop in Village People -- is about to expose a big disco era secret, and it will forever change the way you hear "Y.M.C.A." Willis just signed on to do an A&E/Lifetime TV movie based on his life -- and sources close to the deal tell us one of the big reveals is some Village members were lip-syncing. It's unclear exactly which of his bandmates he's calling out for faking it.
- 11/14/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Young man ... Village People are pissed. I said, young man ... Victor feels really dissed I said young man, E! has taken our song And they did us so ve-ry wrong Boom boom boom boom boom It's fun to send them a cease and desist It's fun to send them a cease and desis-i-ist. They can crap in their pants, they can shake in their boots And we'll stick it to all the suits!!! In case you didn't follow ... Victor Willis,...
- 9/24/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Village People singer-songwriter Victor Willis has finally prevailed in reclaiming 50 percent of the copyright to many of the group's songs, including "Y.M.C.A." For four years, Willis has been in a legal battle that has been closely followed in the music industry because it dealt with a portion of copyright law that allows authors to terminate copyright grants. When Congress amended copyright to permit this in the mid-1970s, it was done with an eye on giving authors 35 years hence the benefit of the latter portions of a newly extended term. Ever since, many
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- 3/5/2015
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pet Shop Boys have been bringing us their Original Synth™ for almost thirty years, and while their last hit in the U.S. was over 25 years ago, they’ve maintained their hitmaking ability in the U.K.
Today is Neil Tennant‘s 60th birthday, so let’s pay tribute by ranking their greatest hits. This is a good place to start your Essential Pet Shop Boys Collection.
10. Absolutely Fabulous
Year: 1994
Album: N/A
Chart Peak: N/A
Of course.
9. Opportunities
Year: 1986
Album: Please
Chart Peak: #10
The second single from their debut, it proved they were no one-hit wonders.
8. Always On My Mind
Year: 1987
Album: Introspective
Chart Peak: #4
Psb first performed their version on Love Me Tender, an ITV television special commemorating the tenth anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, and it would go one to become one of theirbiggest hits.
7. Left To My Own Devices
Year: 1988
Album: Introspective
Chart Peak: #84
The second single from Introspective,...
Today is Neil Tennant‘s 60th birthday, so let’s pay tribute by ranking their greatest hits. This is a good place to start your Essential Pet Shop Boys Collection.
10. Absolutely Fabulous
Year: 1994
Album: N/A
Chart Peak: N/A
Of course.
9. Opportunities
Year: 1986
Album: Please
Chart Peak: #10
The second single from their debut, it proved they were no one-hit wonders.
8. Always On My Mind
Year: 1987
Album: Introspective
Chart Peak: #4
Psb first performed their version on Love Me Tender, an ITV television special commemorating the tenth anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, and it would go one to become one of theirbiggest hits.
7. Left To My Own Devices
Year: 1988
Album: Introspective
Chart Peak: #84
The second single from Introspective,...
- 7/10/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Once again, there's a place you can go ... if you wanna hear the "Y.M.C.A." ... because the singer from the Village People is Unbanning the Clippers from playing his song, now that Donald Sterling is out. Victor Willis -- aka "The Cop" -- previously told TMZ Sports he would Not allow the team to play his song at home games as long as Sterling was in charge of the squad. But now that...
- 4/29/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Young man, there Is need to feel down ... because the cop from Village People says he's Banning the L.A. Clippers from playing "Y.M.C.A." at home games ... thanks to Donald Sterling. Victor Willis -- who reportedly owns the rights to the song -- is furious ... saying, "Sterling, you're banned from playing "Y.M.C.A." or any of my music @LAClippers games. And I mean it!"Victor's rep tells us the singer...
- 4/27/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
James Avery passes, Ymca is not a gay anthem, Rose Parade wedding float wins award
As Bill de Blasio was sworn in as the mayor of New York City (succeeding Emperor Bloomberg), he promised more equality in the nation’s largest city. “Black, white, Latino, Asian, gay, straight, old, young, rich, middle class, and poor. A city that remembers our responsibility to each other — our common cause — is to leave no New Yorker behind. It’s a place that celebrates a very simple notion: that no matter what your story is – this is your city. Our strength is derived from you. Working together, we will make this One City. And that mission — our march toward a fairer, more just, more progressive place, our march to keep the promise of New York alive for the next generation. It begins today.”
Because of course this is the type of bong Madonna would have.
As Bill de Blasio was sworn in as the mayor of New York City (succeeding Emperor Bloomberg), he promised more equality in the nation’s largest city. “Black, white, Latino, Asian, gay, straight, old, young, rich, middle class, and poor. A city that remembers our responsibility to each other — our common cause — is to leave no New Yorker behind. It’s a place that celebrates a very simple notion: that no matter what your story is – this is your city. Our strength is derived from you. Working together, we will make this One City. And that mission — our march toward a fairer, more just, more progressive place, our march to keep the promise of New York alive for the next generation. It begins today.”
Because of course this is the type of bong Madonna would have.
- 1/2/2014
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
In May, original Village People singer Victor Willis won a big victory by getting a judge to swat away an attempt from two music publishers that challenged his ability to terminate a copyright grant on hit songs, including the monster hit "Y.M.C.A." Many other musicians including Journey, Devo and Billy Joel are attempting to similarly exploit a once obscure provision of the Copyright Act adopted in the late 1970s to allow authors to reclaim rights during a copyright term's late stage. Hence, Willis' battle with Scorpio Music and Can’t Stop Productions has been closely watched as
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- 3/6/2013
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Los Angeles — A judge in Los Angeles says the original lead singer of the Village People can reclaim at least partial ownership of the copyrights to more than two dozen of the group's songs, including "Y.M.C.A.," "Macho Man," and "In the Navy."
U.S. District Judge Barry T. Moskowitz on Monday rejected a lawsuit by two music publishers who argued Victor Willis had no right to regain ownership of 33 songs he co-wrote for the group under contract.
It's the first test of a decades-old copyright provision and could mean millions in additional royalties for Willis.
The former San Diego resident tells U-t San Diego () that the ruling benefits all songwriters. http://bit.ly/J4txjZ
But Stewart Levy, an attorney for Scorpio Music and Can't Stop Productions, tells the New York Times () that it doesn't lay out how much Willis will get and the case is far from over.
U.S. District Judge Barry T. Moskowitz on Monday rejected a lawsuit by two music publishers who argued Victor Willis had no right to regain ownership of 33 songs he co-wrote for the group under contract.
It's the first test of a decades-old copyright provision and could mean millions in additional royalties for Willis.
The former San Diego resident tells U-t San Diego () that the ruling benefits all songwriters. http://bit.ly/J4txjZ
But Stewart Levy, an attorney for Scorpio Music and Can't Stop Productions, tells the New York Times () that it doesn't lay out how much Willis will get and the case is far from over.
- 5/9/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Los Angeles (AP) — A judge in Los Angeles says the original lead singer of the Village People can reclaim at least partial ownership of the copyrights to more than two dozen of the group's songs, including "Y.M.C.A.," ''Macho Man," and "In the Navy." U.S. District Judge Barry T. Moskowitz on Monday rejected a lawsuit by two music publishers who argued Victor Willis had no right to regain ownership of 33 songs he co-wrote for the group under contract. It's the first test of a decades-old copyright provision and could mean millions in additional royalties for Willis. The former San Diego...
- 5/9/2012
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
A California federal judge has given original Village People singer Victor Willis a big victory in a case that has been closely followed in the music industry. Last year, Willis terminated rights to his share of 33 of the group's songs, including the monster hit "Y.M.C.A." Scorpio Music and Can’t Stop Productions, the two companies that administer publishing rights to the group's songs, reacted by going to court for a judgment that Willis couldn't regain control over his work. On Monday, California judge Barry Ted Moskowitz rejected the publishers' claims, granting Willis' motion to dismiss. The dispute
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- 5/8/2012
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As Victor Willis, the original lead singer of the Village People, fights to regain control over his share of the copyright credit for 32 of the band's songs, including the hit "Y.M.C.A.," the music publisher Can't Stop Music has withdrawn an important claim that the songs were works made for hire. The development came at an oral hearing on Tuesday in a closely-watched case that will determine the validity of Willis' termination notices to the music publisher. A judge will soon rule on whether to dismiss the music publisher's lawsuit against Willis. The plaintiff is
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- 3/22/2012
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A federal judge is taking the unusual step of allowing an amicus brief to be considered at the early stages of litigation that will determine whether the original lead singer of the Village People has a right to terminate copyright grants on 32 songs, including the big hit "Y.M.C.A." After Victor Willis filed paperwork to regain control over his share of copyright, Scorpio Music and Can’t Stop Productions, the two companies that administer publishing rights to the group's songs, filed a lawsuit seeking a declaration that he couldn't exploit a provision of the U.S. Copyright Act that allows
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- 12/19/2011
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Eriq Gardner
Victor Willis, the original lead singer of the Village People, presents arguments why music publishers must accede to his attempt to terminate copyright grants on 32 songs. Meanwhile, other artists are about to terminate the rights to other songs -- including rock anthem "Eye of the Tiger"
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Victor Willis, the original lead singer of the Village People, presents arguments why music publishers must accede to his attempt to terminate copyright grants on 32 songs. Meanwhile, other artists are about to terminate the rights to other songs -- including rock anthem "Eye of the Tiger"
read more...
- 10/3/2011
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
30 Rock star Tracy Morgan returned to his hometown Saturday night to take the stage for the first time since his infamous homophobic rant in Nashville earlier this month. Earlier this week, Morgan returned to Nashville and personally apologized for the tirade, but did the comedian stay serious during his set last night? Read more after the jump.
The Brooklyn native began his 10:30 p.m. show at Manhattan comedy club Carolines by telling the audience “I’m mellow tonight,” then launched into a decidedly un-mellow (and unprintable) round of jokes about masturbation, ejaculation, the female anatomy, and so on.
After about 45 minutes,...
The Brooklyn native began his 10:30 p.m. show at Manhattan comedy club Carolines by telling the audience “I’m mellow tonight,” then launched into a decidedly un-mellow (and unprintable) round of jokes about masturbation, ejaculation, the female anatomy, and so on.
After about 45 minutes,...
- 6/26/2011
- by Lanford Beard
- EW - Inside TV
Village People star Victor Willis is heading back to court once again after suing his former bandmates for $1.5 million (GBP890,000) in royalties. The singer, who played the cop role in the camp group, left the line-up in 1979, but claims he is owed a larger slice of the proceeds because he helped to write hits including "Y.M.C.A.", "Macho Man" and "In the Navy".
He filed his lawsuit in federal court in California last week (ends May 1). Stewart Levy, a lawyer for Can't Stop Productions, which now owns the rights to the tracks, insisted Willis' legal action is "without merit".
Willis is no stranger to suing over his Village People past - in 2009, he settled a legal battle with the organizers of a college football half-time concert, which featured an offshoot of the Village People. He insisted a group using the band's name had no right to include his...
He filed his lawsuit in federal court in California last week (ends May 1). Stewart Levy, a lawyer for Can't Stop Productions, which now owns the rights to the tracks, insisted Willis' legal action is "without merit".
Willis is no stranger to suing over his Village People past - in 2009, he settled a legal battle with the organizers of a college football half-time concert, which featured an offshoot of the Village People. He insisted a group using the band's name had no right to include his...
- 5/2/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Your Daily Dispatch of Celebrity Shenanigans
Village People Cop Wants "Idol" Job: Forget J.Lo and Steven Tyler, the Village People's cop - Victor Willis - thinks he's the right for one of the vacant seats at the "American Idol" judges' table. Victor told TMZ that he's the "best choice" for the job and even claims he had a meeting with "Idol" executives who allegedly told him he's a "dark horse candidate" for the position. No word if the Cowboy and the Construction Worker are pissed.
Amy Takes A Nap!: Nobody make any loud noises - Amy Winehouse is ...
Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Village People Cop Wants "Idol" Job: Forget J.Lo and Steven Tyler, the Village People's cop - Victor Willis - thinks he's the right for one of the vacant seats at the "American Idol" judges' table. Victor told TMZ that he's the "best choice" for the job and even claims he had a meeting with "Idol" executives who allegedly told him he's a "dark horse candidate" for the position. No word if the Cowboy and the Construction Worker are pissed.
Amy Takes A Nap!: Nobody make any loud noises - Amy Winehouse is ...
Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- 8/4/2010
- by AccessHollywood.com Editorial Staff
- Access Hollywood
Village People Cop -- 'Idol' Considering Me as Judge!!
The guy who played the original cop in the Village People claims he recently had a meeting with "American Idol" execs ... who told him that he's a "dark horse candidate" to be a judge on the show!
Victor Willis tells TMZ he'd be the "best choice" to replace Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell because he was "the original idol judge for the selection of the Village People talent" back in 1977.
As we previously reported, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are slated to take the judges table once their contracts are worked out -- but just in case it doesn't work out with them, Willis claims, "I reminded the [American Idol] representative that I was a judge for the selection of talent for the-most iconic group of characters of all time."
He added, "The show’s response was that they’re very...
The guy who played the original cop in the Village People claims he recently had a meeting with "American Idol" execs ... who told him that he's a "dark horse candidate" to be a judge on the show!
Victor Willis tells TMZ he'd be the "best choice" to replace Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell because he was "the original idol judge for the selection of the Village People talent" back in 1977.
As we previously reported, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are slated to take the judges table once their contracts are worked out -- but just in case it doesn't work out with them, Willis claims, "I reminded the [American Idol] representative that I was a judge for the selection of talent for the-most iconic group of characters of all time."
He added, "The show’s response was that they’re very...
- 8/4/2010
- by tmz
- Gossipvita
The guy who played the original cop in the Village People claims he recently had a meeting with " American Idol " execs ... who told him that he's a " dark horse candidate " to be a judge on the show! Victor Willis tells TMZ he'd be the "best choice" to replace Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell because he was "the original idol judge for the selection of the Village People talent" back in 1977. As we previously reported, Steven Tyler...
- 8/4/2010
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Former Village People star Victor Willis is the latest name to be added to the long list of "American Idol" wannabe judges - and he reveals producers are taking his interest seriously. Willis, the original lead singer of the disco group, claims he has spoken with "a representative of American Idol" about the show and insists, regardless of the outcome, he's the best choice to replace Simon Cowell or Ellen DeGeneres - because he staged the "original American Idol" to put together his band in the mid-1970s.
A spokesman for Willis tells WENN, "In 1977, Victor recorded the initial Village People album with the use of professional background singers before there was actually a group. The album suddenly started climbing the charts, so Willis and his producer Jacques Morali had to quickly hold auditions to assemble the group of now famous characters."
"Hundreds of people showed up for the auditions,...
A spokesman for Willis tells WENN, "In 1977, Victor recorded the initial Village People album with the use of professional background singers before there was actually a group. The album suddenly started climbing the charts, so Willis and his producer Jacques Morali had to quickly hold auditions to assemble the group of now famous characters."
"Hundreds of people showed up for the auditions,...
- 8/4/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Former Village People star Victor Willis has settled his copyright dispute with the bosses of greeting cards firm Hallmark for an undisclosed fee. The singer sued the company over imitation sound cards featuring songs he wrote, "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man", and performed by a sound-alike.
Hallmark officials initially denied any wrongdoing after he sued for unauthorized use of his voice and image. Willis' publicist Linda Smith tells WENN, "The terms of the settlement are confidential. Victor is a very private person and therefore happy to see the lawsuit resolved satisfactorily."
In 2009, Willis settled a lawsuit against the organizers of a college football half-time concert, which featured an offshoot of the Village People. He insisted a group using the band's name had no right to include his image while performing under the moniker at the 2009 Brut Sun Bowl, which was broadcast across America. Willis has not performed with...
Hallmark officials initially denied any wrongdoing after he sued for unauthorized use of his voice and image. Willis' publicist Linda Smith tells WENN, "The terms of the settlement are confidential. Victor is a very private person and therefore happy to see the lawsuit resolved satisfactorily."
In 2009, Willis settled a lawsuit against the organizers of a college football half-time concert, which featured an offshoot of the Village People. He insisted a group using the band's name had no right to include his image while performing under the moniker at the 2009 Brut Sun Bowl, which was broadcast across America. Willis has not performed with...
- 7/1/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Former Village People star Victor Willis is apparently planning to sue the producers of The Cleveland Show. Willis, who appeared as a cop in the group's original lineup, is considering taking legal action over false suggestions that he provided a voiceover in what he deemed an "offensive" episode of the animated comedy, which made fun of the 'In The Navy' band. His spokeswoman Linda Smith told WENN: "Victor was offended by the episode and says he would never have agreed to do a voiceover for such an offensive portrayal of the Village People police character originally created by him." The episode, titled 'Buried Pleasure', was broadcast on February 14, and featured an animated version of the Village People cop parading around in shorts before "eventually jumping on the backside of a male after effeminately yelling, 'Dog (more)...
- 3/22/2010
- by By Oli Simpson
- Digital Spy
The cop from Village People just chalked up the first victory in college football bowl season -- dominating the people behind a major bowl game who used his image without permission. The cop -- real name Victor Willis -- has settled a lawsuit he filed against the Sun Bowl after they allegedly used his voice and image to promote a halftime show at the 2009 game featuring the Village People ... even though Willis left the group back in 1984. According to Willis,...
- 12/9/2009
- TMZ
Can't stop the music, eh? Well, the original Macho Man is trying to block a wannabe from playing the Y.M.C.A., or at least some other venues. Victor Willis, the founding cop and former lead singer of the Village People, has filed a lawsuit against his old bandmates for allegedly using his likeness and voice to market a new spin on '70s disco kings. The suit, filed in San Diego last week, claimed several companies—among them Sixuvus Ltd., a New York-based promoter that manages an updated version of the Village People; Can't Stop Productions, which controls the group's trademark, and the William Morris Agency—capitalized on Willis' universally recognizable voice and image in various...
- 2/10/2009
- E! Online
Former Village People Cop says "stop using me..."
Victor Willis, the original lead singer of the group the Village People and the songwriter who helped write hits like "Y.M.C.A" and "Macho Man," has filed a lawsuit against a new version of the Village People.
Since exiting the Village People, Willis had declined offers to record and he consistently refused to perform any of his Village People hits until recently and wants the new Village People to stop using his likeness and voice.
The Village People's first cop is claiming a New York company, Sixuvus Ltd, the promoters the new Village People, continue to use his voice and picture to promote the Village People 2.0. He is also seeking at least $1 million and a judge's order that they can no longer use his image or voice.
Additionally, Willis is suing the William Morris Agency as well as Can't Stop Productions,...
Victor Willis, the original lead singer of the group the Village People and the songwriter who helped write hits like "Y.M.C.A" and "Macho Man," has filed a lawsuit against a new version of the Village People.
Since exiting the Village People, Willis had declined offers to record and he consistently refused to perform any of his Village People hits until recently and wants the new Village People to stop using his likeness and voice.
The Village People's first cop is claiming a New York company, Sixuvus Ltd, the promoters the new Village People, continue to use his voice and picture to promote the Village People 2.0. He is also seeking at least $1 million and a judge's order that they can no longer use his image or voice.
Additionally, Willis is suing the William Morris Agency as well as Can't Stop Productions,...
- 2/10/2009
- by Paula Brooks
- LezGetReal.com
An arrest warrant has been issued for former Village People star Victor Willis after the singer failed to appear in court last week. The Can't Stop the Music star, who played the original policeman in the disco group, was set to appear in court last Thursday to answer weapon and drug possession charges. Willis, who co-wrote "In The Navy," was arrested in July after police allegedly found a gun and crack cocaine in his car.
- 10/25/2005
- WENN
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