The Village People have asked U.S. President Donald Trump to stop using their music at rallies. In a statement earlier this week, the group's leader, Victor Willis, asked Trump to stop playing 'Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man."
Willis wrote on Facebook last Saturday, June 6, to ask Trump. The Village People co-founder said that if the president orders the military to fire on its people, they will rise outside the White House. "Don't do it Mr. President," the Village People policeman warned.
"And I ask that you no longer use any of my music at your rallies" Willis said. He specified "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man" and continued, saying, "Sorry, but I can no longer look the other way."
Willis' statement follows the now-hidden tweet from Trump. The president hinted that the military begins shooting looters. Twitter flagged the post for violating rules against glorifying violence.
It was George Floyd's death that sparked protests across the country. Last May 25, the 46-year-old black man died at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Even celebrities such as Ariana Grande and Halsey have taken to the streets to join the protests.
READ MORE: Louder Than Words: A Timeline of Celebrities Supporting Black Lives Matter
A Change in Opinion
Just last week, May 31, loudspeakers played "Macho Man" at the SpaceX rocket launch. Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence attended. The Village People have previously said that they wouldn't prevent Trump from using their gay anthems at his gatherings.
"Last February 25, The Village People have addressed numerous requests demanding that we prevent or ban President Donald Trump's use of our songs," the previous statement began. The post again specified "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man."
"Since our music is not being used for a specific endorsement, the President's use is "perfect[ly]" legal." The group also explained that Trump "has remained respectful" with their music. However, The Village People noted that they prefer their music out of politics.
The Village People added: "The President and his supporters have shown a genuine like for our music." They clarified that "Y.M.C.A." is all-inclusive and that everyone can dance to it.
The Irony of "Macho Man"
"Macho Man" was the title track for The Village People's second album. The song skyrocketed in sales and charted at the Hot 100. Its heavy rotation and use in clubs contributed to its success.
The song has become one of the iconic songs of the gay community's disco scene. The Village People have become famous because of its costumed, hypermasculine character. The on-stage personas adopted by members targeted the mostly gay audience of the disco subculture.
Trump was previously slammed for banning transgender people from serving in the military. He already explained that the army couldn't be burdened with the "tremendous medical costs and disruption" transgender people would entail.
Furthermore, vice president Mike Pence previously took anti-LGBT statements. He stated back in 2000 that Congress should oppose efforts for same-sex marriages to have the same legal status as heterosexual marriages. Pence also supports conversion therapy.
