Y.M.C.A. Co-Writer Victor Willis Defends Trump’s Use of Song, Asserts It’s Not a ‘Gay Anthem’ – One America News Network
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
1:18 PM – Tuesday, December 2, 2024
Victor Willis, the singer and co-writer of Village People, known for portraying the group’s “policeman” in their iconic outfits, recently spoke out in defense of President-elect Donald Trump’s use of the song “Y.M.C.A.”
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In a Facebook post on Monday, Willis clarified that when he originally penned the lyrics, he didn’t realize the Y represented a social space for the LGBTQ+ community, asserting that the upbeat dance tune was never intended as a “gay anthem.”
Y.M.C.A. stands for “Young Men’s Christian Association” (YMCA).
Willis emphasized that his understanding of the youth organization, particularly the YMCA locations in San Francisco, was instrumental in the creation of “Y.M.C.A.”
“When I say, ‘hang out with all the boys’ that’s purely 1970s Black slang referring to Black men spending time together for sports, gambling, or other activities. There’s nothing homosexual about that,” he explained regarding one of the song’s lines.
Willis remarked that Trump’s use of “Y.M.C.A.” at campaign rallies had led him to receive more than 1,000 grievances. The former President began dancing to the 1978 hit at the close of his rallies in 2020.
Analytics show the song’s popularity surged due to this recurring campaign moment, with increases in both listenership and search interest on election day.
Subsequently, athletes began mimicking Trump’s disco dance moves on the field, igniting discussions about politics in sports.
Willis also shared that he initially found Trump’s use of the song to be a “nuisance,” requesting the former President to cease playing it. However, he now believes Trump has every right to continue its usage, having learned that Trump’s team obtained a political use license from BMI, which protects musicians’ rights. He has also come to ignore the threats and backlash from fellow artists who criticize him for allowing Trump to play the song.
Willis later stated he didn’t have the heart to prevent Trump from using “Y.M.C.A.” when other musicians began protesting his use of their music at campaign events. He told his wife, who manages the band, to inform BMI that Trump’s license to use the song should remain intact.
Moreover, Willis mentioned that he benefitted financially from Trump’s campaign’s use of the song.
“For example, ‘Y.M.C.A.’ was stuck at #2 on the Billboard charts prior to the President Elect’s use. However, the song finally reached #1 on the Billboard chart after more than 45 years (retaining the position for two weeks) thanks to its exposure through the President Elect,” Willis noted in his post, adding that “the financial impact has been substantial.”
Additionally, Willis suggested several reasons might contribute to the “false assumption” that “Y.M.C.A.” is an LGBTQ+ anthem.
Some of these factors include the fact that the band’s debut album heavily featured themes related to gay culture, several members of Village People were gay, and the YMCA was often perceived as a gathering place for the gay community. Nevertheless, Willis reinforced that the song does not serve as an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and encouraged listeners to “get their minds out of the gutter.”
He also expressed that while he doesn’t object to the song being seen as a gay anthem, these misconceptions are “harmful to the song.” Furthermore, he noted that his wife intends to pursue legal action against any media outlet that labels “Y.M.C.A.” as a gay anthem starting in January.
Responses flooded in from social media users after Willis’ comments made headlines.
“I belong to a YMCA. It is not a hangout for gay people. It’s families with children. Bible verses cover the walls, and there’s a large Bible in the hallway for anyone to read,” commented one user.
“Unlike Dave Grohl [of the Foo Fighters] who threatened Trump after he used a Foo Fighters song. This is what happens when you embrace your songs being used. You make money!!!” added another user.
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