Victor Willis Sues Current Village People

Victor Willis , the original police officer in the Village People , has sued the current version of the group to stop them from using his likeness and voice.

The suit names Sixuvus Ltd., who is the promoter of the new group, William Morris Agency, Can't Stop Productions (owner of the trademark) and a number of venues where the group has performed. Willis wants $1 million and an injunction against all parties from using his image or voice.

Willis says that the parties have used pictures of the original group to promote appearances, leading people to believe they will be seeing that group in concert. He is also objecting to the use of the original group recordings in radio and television advertising.

Willis was the first person producer Jacques Morali approached to record as the Village People and, after the success of the first album, built the rest of the group around him. Willis left the group in 1979.