A lawsuit was filed against Disney, alleging that the company subjected the Village People to a hostile work environment and banned the iconic 1970s group.
The wife of Village People star Victor Willis has filed a lawsuit seeking $20 million in damages for numerous misconduct.
She claimed that Disney had banned the band from performing in its theme parks. according to Court documents were viewed by TMZ, which first reported the incident.
According to the outlet, Willis filed the lawsuit in 2023, alleging that the collaboration between the famous singing group and Disney had fallen apart after 10 years of successful annual performances.
File/Village People, group portrait, New York, 1978. From left, David Hodor (“Construction Worker”), Felipe Rose (“Native American”), Victor Willis (“Naval Officer”), Alex Briley (“Sailor”), Glenn Hughes (“Leatherman”), and Randy Jones (“Cowboy”). (Michael Putland/Getty Images)
But she claims that things have changed dramatically in recent years. According to TMZ, Karen claims that she and the Village People have been treated poorly by Disney and have been physically prevented from helping with customer service.
Court documents also allege that Disney knowingly passed the band around when it came to payments. Cullen is seeking $20 million in damages.
Willis claims that she and her husband, Victor, previously tried to reach an agreement with Disney, but were left with no choice but to pursue further legal remedies.
FILE/Victor Willis of the Village People performs onstage at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois, June 21, 1979. (Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
Victor Willis is the only original member of The Village People still performing today, and he co-wrote and sang lead vocals on most of the group’s classic albums and hit singles, including “YMCA,” “Macho Man” and “In the Navy.”
Disney recently filed a counterclaim to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that it had the right not to hire the Village People if it didn’t want to, but the court just dismissed the claim.
TMZ reports that the lawsuit will likely move forward.
