The singer who dressed as a policeman in the 1970s camp hit band Village People is taking court action to stop his image being used to promote the group’s revival.
A suit filed in San Diego by Victor Willis claims companies continue to use his voice and picture to promote the new Village People.
He is seeking at least $1 million and a judge’s order that they can no longer use his image or his voice.
Willis was the original police officer in the group and helped pen Village People's greatest hits, including YMCAand Macho Man.
He is suing Sixuvus, a New York company that promotes the new Village People. He’s also suing the William Morris Agency as well as Can’t Stop Productions – which owns the trademark to the band’s name – and several venues where the new group has performed.
The companies involved have not yet commented on the case.
The singer left Village People in 1980.
Last year, the 57-year-old had surgery to remove nodules from his vocal cords leading to the cancellation of his Disco Dance Tour 2008.
In 2006, Willis avoided jail on drug offences after agreeing to undergo a lengthy drug-treatment programme.
Village People originally formed in 1977 and the group have sold more than 80 million albums and singles. – (AP)