LGBT+ backlash after Village People agree to perform at Trump inauguration events
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Decision to aing Y.M.C.A. for Donald Trump’s inauguration marks a huge u-turn by group. The Village People’s decision to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural ball and rally, has sparked backlash due to the band’s ties to the LGBT+ community.
![[Village People perform during the 91st anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2023]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/14/09/GettyImages-1816323248.jpg)
The group gained international fame in the 1970s, particularly with their anthem "Y.M.C.A." — a song that has been embraced by the pride movement worldwide — and their flamboyant on-stage personas and catchy dance-pop music. “We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics,” lead singer Victor Willis wrote in a post on Facebook.
“Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.”. The Village People join Trump's musical favourites, opera singer Christopher Macchio and country singer Lee Greenwood, as well as country music icon Carrie Underwood, who has committed to performing "America the Beautiful.".
Lead singer Willis had previously voiced his disapproval of the use of "Y.M.C.A." at Trump rallies, which started during the former president's 2020 campaign. He voiced fan worries about the song's political context at the time and asked the Trump campaign to stop playing it.
