The wife of “Village People” star Victor Willis has filed a lawsuit against Disney, alleging she was subjected to a hostile work environment and excluded.
Karen alleged that Disney had banned the Village People from performing in its theme parks. TMZShe filed the lawsuit in 2023, alleging that the relationship between the famous singing group and Disney had broken down after a decade of successful annual performances. However, she claimed that things had changed dramatically in recent years. According to TMZ, Karen claimed that she and Village People had been treated poorly by Disney and were physically prevented from helping with front-of-house duties. Court documents also alleged that Disney knowingly passed the band around regarding payment deadlines. Karen is seeking $20 million in damages.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – JULY 21: Victor Willis, lead singer of the Village People, performs onstage during the 58th Donostiaco Jazzaldia jazz festival in San Sebastian, Spain on July 21, 2023. (Photo by Gari Garaialde/Redferns) Getty Images
According to Cullen, tensions began when Village People was hired to perform at Disney World in Florida in 2018. At the time, the band was having internal issues among the older members, and Victor and fellow bandmate Jack Morali received permission to perform at Disney after winning the rights to their songs from the other members of Village People.
According to TMZ, after the pair shared a few successful performances together, their relationship is said to have soured.
Karen said all the band members were treated poorly by Disney and removed from duties that helped make the band successful.
Karen claims that she and Victor were physically attacked by violent fans at the park, which she believes was orchestrated by angry former band members. According to TMZ, Karen said that she and Victor had a contract that required security to be present, but Disney did not, putting them at risk.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – JULY 21: Victor Willis, lead singer of the Village People, performs onstage during the 58th Donostiaco Jazzaldia jazz festival in San Sebastian, Spain on July 21, 2023. (Photo by Gari Garaialde/Redferns) Getty Images
According to TMZ, Karen claims that Disney intentionally passed them around by issuing checks to the wrong name and to the wrong group when it came to paying them.
She claimed her efforts to right financial wrongs with Disney were snubbed.
According to TMZ, the lawsuit alleges that Disney didn't rehire them for additional work despite their longstanding history, and she feels that was an intentional move. (Related article: Tony Bennett's children suing each other over inheritance)
Disney moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing it had the right not to hire the Village People, but the court denied the request. This story continues to develop.
