(PatriotPostNews.com) — The 1970s pop group, the Village People, is suing Disney for alleged wrongful treatment. Disney filed to have the lawsuit dismissed. The disco band is claiming $20 million in damages.
The current iteration of the Village People is a revival led by Victor Willis, who played the iconic policeman. Victor is the only original member of the band remaining in the group. Victor was originally hired to do vocals on an album produced by Jacques Morali. It was only after Jacques hired dancers to perform behind Victor that the group was dubbed “the Village People.” The trademark for the Village People is managed by Victor’s wife, Karen Willis.
Karen alleges that Disney mistreated her and her husband and created a hostile work environment. Disney has hosted annual performances by the Village People for about a decade, but Karen says that the relationship between Disney and the singing group has broken down. Karen claims that the relationship between the singing group and Disney began to erode during a performance at Disney World in 2018. In 2018, Victor Willis and Jacques Morali won the rights to the Village People’s music from the other members.
Karen claims she and her husband were put in physical danger by Disney. She alleges that the former members of the band arranged to have her and her husband attacked while at Disney World. According to Karen, Disney was legally required to provide security for the Willis’s. Karen also alleges that she was physically prevented from doing her usual job by Disney staff.
Additionally, Karen alleges that Disney attempted to skirt paying Victor and Jacques for performances. Karen claims that Disney blackballed the group and prevented them from booking performances at other Disney venues. Karen says that Disney’s cruel treatment started immediately after Victor and Jacques won the rights to the Village People’s music. Karen and Victor Willis, along with Jacques Morali, are seeking $20 million in damages.
Copyright 2024, PatriotPostNews.com
