Victor Willis, the frontman of disco greats the Village People, has joined the roster of musicians requesting that Donald Trump refrain from playing their music as his rallies.
The musician took to Facebook on Friday to demand that Trump stop featuring the band’s songs ‘Y.M.C.A.’ and ‘Macho Man’, after the president deployed law enforcement officers to clear peaceful protesters from Lafayette square using tear gas, batons and explosive devices to make way for a photo opportunity in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
The protestors were rallying against police brutality and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others at the hands of police.
“If Trump orders the U.S. military to fire on his own citizens (on U.S. soil), Americans will rise up in such numbers outside of the White House that he might be forced out of office prior to the election. Don’t do it Mr. President,” Willis wrote. “And I ask that you no longer use any of my music at your rallies, especially “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man.” Sorry, but I can no longer look the other way.”
In February, the group issued a statement acknowledging that Trump’s use of ‘Y.M.C.A’ and ‘Macho Man’ was “perfectly legal”. At the time, the group emphasised that the music of the Village People was “all-inclusive.” Though Willis has had a change of heart following this period of civil unrest.
Willis refrained from banning Trump from using the classic songs at the time as, “our music is not being used for a specific endorsement.”
He continued, “[Trump] has remained respectful in his use of our songs and has not crossed the line; if he or any other candidate were to use any of our songs in a manner that would suggest our endorsement, or in a promotional advertisement, that would cross the line.”
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Other artists that have requested Trump not use their music at campaign rallies include Queen, the Prince estate, Rihanna, Neil Young, R.E.M. and Aerosmith.
Check out ‘Y.M.C.A’ by the Village People:
