Victor Willis, lead singer of the Village People founder, has strongly rejected claims that their 1978 hit "Y.M.C.A." was intended as a gay anthem, while addressing controversy over Donald Trump's use of the song at campaign rallies.
In a recent Facebook post, Willis explained that he wrote the lyrics based on his knowledge of YMCA facilities in urban San Francisco, stating he "knew nothing about the Y being a hang out for gays" at the time of writing.
The singer clarified that phrases like "hang out with all the boys" referenced common 1970s Black slang about men socializing, rather than having any gay connotations. Despite receiving over 1,000 complaints about Trump using the song at rallies, Willis chose not to block its use.
While Trump's team had obtained proper licensing through BMI for campaign events, Willis initially asked them to stop playing it as it became a "nuisance." However, he later instructed BMI not to withdraw Trump's rights to use the track.
The controversy appears to have boosted the song's popularity. Willis noted that "Y.M.C.A." finally reached #1 on a Billboard chart after 45 years, crediting Trump's usage for the achievement and acknowledging the "financial benefits have been great."
Willis addressed speculation about the song's gay associations, noting that while his writing partner and some Village People members were gay, and their first album focused on gay life, "Y.M.C.A." itself was not created as a gay anthem.
Taking a firm stance on the matter, Willis announced that starting January, his wife - who manages the band - plans to pursue legal action against news organizations that label "Y.M.C.A." as a gay anthem, stating such claims are "damaging to the song."
Trump's representatives have not commented on the matter.