The Village People have responded to backlash over their upcoming performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration next Monday (20 January).
We're just a few days away until Trump is officially the president of the United States once again, making him the first person convicted of a felony to assume the presidency.
The likes of Carrie Underwood will be performing at the ceremony, alongside the Village People, who will be performing at 'at least one event with President Elect Trump'.
The band in question is made up of six people; Victor Willis, Javier Perez, James Kwong, Nicholas Manelic, James Lee, and James J.J. Lippold.
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Willis, however, is the only original member still remaining in the American disco group best known for their smash-hits including 'Macho Man', 'In the Navy', 'Go West', and 'Y.M.C.A.'.
Willis took to Facebook on Monday (13 January) to announce the news that the band would be performing at the inauguration writing: "We are announcing today that VILLAGE PEOPLE have accepted an invitation from President Elect Trump's campaign to participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President Elect Trump."
Responding to the backlash from 'disappointed' fans, he stated: "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."
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"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," Victor added, referring to Democrat, Kamala Harris.
The statement ended: "Therefore, we believe it's now time to bring the country together with music which is why VILLAGE PEOPLE will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump."
After catching light of the news the upcoming performance, fans rushed to social media to share their shock, with one X user writing: "I’m extremely disappointed by The Village People’s decision."
"NO WAY," exclaimed a second, while a third echoed: "Really disappointed in The Village People."
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And that's not the only shock regarding the line-up for Trump's inauguration, as Carrie Underwood fans were left 'heartbroken' over the news she'd also be performing.
One social media user penned: "Carrie Underwood is preforming at Trump’s inauguration so I’m blocking her on all apps and boycotting all her music."
"As a longtime fan that’s been to all of your concerts, including Vegas, I’m heartbroken at your decision to perform next week. I thought you stood for love & acceptance, not hate & judgement," lamented a second.
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A third quipped: "I have never removed all traces of an artist so fast from my phone."
"This is devastating no one talk to me," hit out a fourth while a fifth slammed: "Don’t ever call yourself an LGBTQ ally again, you’re supporting the man that wants to abolish LGBTQ rights, you should be ashamed."
Another echoed: "He’s literally against everything she used to sing about."
"Performing for the orange buffoon's inauguration… guess we know where you stand," added a final social media user.
Topics: Celebrity, Donald Trump, Music, Politics, US News, LGBTQ+
Rhiannon Ingle