Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People, has died at the age of 74, according to a statement from the band. Following the news, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued condolences and made comments about the singer’s relationship with his use of the group’s hit song “YMCA” at political rallies.
The Village People confirmed Willis’s death on social media, saying he passed away after a short but aggressive illness. Willis was best known as one of the defining voices of the disco era and co-writer of global hits including “YMCA,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy.”
Trump reacted on Truth Social, describing Willis as someone who “loved” hearing “YMCA” used at rallies and saying the song became a “monster hit” again years after its release. His remarks come despite previous statements from Willis and the band saying they had asked Trump not to use their music.
Willis had previously said he never formally endorsed any political candidate, even though the song became widely associated with Trump’s campaign events in recent years.