Victor Willis, a founding member of the iconic music group the Village People, recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of performing the hit song "Y.M.C.A." at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
During an appearance on Fox & Friends First, Willis reflected on how Trump’s use of the 1978 disco anthem at campaign rallies not only revived its popularity but also propelled it to the top of the Billboard charts—46 years after its original release.
The song, which became a viral sensation during Trump’s rallies, sparked countless videos of supporters and even athletes doing the famous dance at sporting events.
I will never support the Village People in any way again as long as Victor Willis is involved. Disgusting.
"The oppressor would not be so strong if he did not have accomplices among the oppressed." Simone de Beauvoir
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
— Race Bannon (@racebannon.bsky.social) December 4, 2024 at 4:12 PM
Willis, who co-wrote the track, acknowledged the financial boost it brought to the band. “The financial benefits have been great,” he admitted, adding that the group would have to weigh the decision carefully if they were invited to perform live.
However, Willis emphasized the complexity of such a choice. “If you were to ask me today if the Village People would perform at the inauguration, I would probably say not, because we’d be concerned about endorsement,” he explained. Still, he left the door open, noting, “Because the president-elect has done so much for ‘Y.M.C.A.’ and brought so much joy to so many people... we’d have to seriously consider it.”
This willingness to reconsider Trump’s use of the song marks a significant shift from Willis’s initial reaction in 2020 when he criticized its use at political rallies. Over time, however, he changed his stance, citing Trump’s apparent genuine fondness for the track.
Village People's Victor Willis defends Rump’s use of 'YMCA,' insists song isn't a #gay anthem.
Good, stupid song anyway.
— Jeff Siperly (@siperlywhenwet.bsky.social) December 3, 2024 at 8:33 PM
Unlike other artists who opposed Trump using their music, Willis opted to allow it, instructing Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) to maintain Trump’s political use license. “He seemed to be bringing so much joy to the American people,” Willis explained.
Interestingly, Willis has also addressed misconceptions about the song’s meaning. While many have labeled "Y.M.C.A." a “gay anthem,” Willis has pushed back against this interpretation. In a Facebook post, he clarified that the song was inspired by his perspective on the Young Men’s Christian Association and the camaraderie it represented.
“When I say, ‘hang out with all the boys,’ that is simply 1970s black slang for black guys hanging out together for sports, gambling, or whatever. There’s nothing gay about that,” Willis noted.
The guy who wrote YMCA sold out because he's making money off of Donald Trump using it.
He's also threatening to sue people who call it a "gay anthem."
It used to be a gay anthem, but I doubt anyone wants to hear it now that Donald Trump turned it into a freaky little air jerk dance.
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@artcandee.bsky.social) December 3, 2024 at 7:27 PM