(L-R) Nicholas Manelick, James Kwong, Javier Perez, Victor Willis, Jeffrey James Lippold, and James Logan of Village People attend the 91st anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, supporting Marine Toys For Tots on November 26, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Associated Television International)

The Village People Hit Disney With $20 Million Lawsuit

Emell Adolphus READ TIME: 2 MIN.

Disney has some major explaining to do after they were just hit with a $20 million lawsuit from The Village People.

According to The Daily Mail, the wife of the Village People's longtime lead singer is reportedly. taking the House of Mouse to court for failing to pay the group, treating them poorly, then banning them from performing at Disney World.

According to Karen Willis, wife of lead singer and co-founder Victor Willis and manager of the group's trademark for live performances, the group was booked for a 2018 performance, which was business as usual after the group regularly performed at the park for over a decade.

The performance was a two-day job, but things went left according to Willis.

When there were sound issues during the performance, Willis was allegedly prevented from going into the DJ booth. Additionally, she said Disney employees intentionally blocked her and led her away.

Then Willis claims that she and her husband Victor were left to be attacked by 'overzealous fans.' And per the group's contract, they were to be given extra security, and Willis claims Disney failed to do so.

Victor is the sole original member of the group, and he co-wrote and sang on the group's classic hits "Y.M.C.A.," "Macho Man" and "In The Navy."

Victor actually initially left the group but returned to live performances in 2017, The same year he also sued to perform under the group's name.

Then in 2018, the group's payment from Disney was allegedly made out to the wrong people and the wrong groups, so the musicians could not get access to the payment.

The band's current members are Isaac Lopez (Native American), James Lee (GI), J. J. Lippold (leather man), James Kwong (construction worker). Nicholas Manelick (cowboy).

DailyMail.com has reached out to Disney requesting comment.


by Emell Adolphus

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