The ‘TEMU Version’ Village People’s Performance at Donald Trump’s Inauguration Stirs Up Old Grudges and New Drama Between Original Members

The Village People performed their iconic hit “Y.M.C.A.” at Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration, but fans were disappointed when all six of the original members were not onstage. The O.G. members have spent decades feuding amongst themselves after Victor Willis, the original cop and lead singer, assumed control of the name and assets of the group— leaving other members on the outs and not supporting Trump’s event. Felipe Rose, the “Native American” character in the group, didn’t hold back when asked about participating in the event. When interviewed by the Daily Mail on Jan. 17, he said, “What makes you think I’m going to be f—ing there? I have nothing to do with the group.” The Village People’s Performance at Trump’s Inauguration Did Not Include All Of the Original Group Members and Fans Are Outraged (Photo: @realvillagepeople / Instagram; @realdonaldtrump/Instagram) His bitterness stems from legal disputes that have shaped the band’s trajectory over the past decade. “I was in the group for 38 years, and then Victor Willis came roaring back with his wife and sued the s—t out of everyone,” he explained. Willis regained control of the group’s name and royalties after a highly publicized lawsuit in 2017, a move...