“Y.M.C.A.” singer and co-writer Victor Willis of the band Village People defended President-elect Donald Trump’s use of the song Monday on Facebook.
Willis denied that the disco tune was intended as a “gay anthem,” saying he “knew nothing about the Y being a hang out for gays” when he wrote the lyrics.
Willis said he wrote “Y.M.C.A.” based on what he knew about the worldwide youth organization at the time, particularly the YMCA branches in the urban areas of San Francisco.
Willis said he has received more than 1,000 complaints about the use of “Y.M.C.A” at Trump’s campaign rallies.
Data suggests the staple campaign moment drove the song up the charts, with search interest and listenership soaring on Election Day.
Persons:
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Organizations:
Village People, Facebook, YMCA, BMI, Getty, People
Locations:
San Francisco, —, New York City