Village People policeman sues new line-up

FORMER Village People singer Victor Willis is suing the new version of the group.

He claims they have used his picture and voice for promotion and is demanding $1million (£675,400) in damages.

Willis, who was the original policeman and lead singer in the 70s group, has also taken legal action to have them stop using his voice and image.

He took the lawsuit out against their promoter Sixuvus Ltd, their agents the William Morris Agency, and Can't Stop Productions, which owns the trademark to the name.

The companies involved have yet to comment on the case.

Willis, 57, who left the group in 1980, is also suing several venues where the new line-up have played.

Last year he underwent surgery to remove nodules from his vocal cords which led to the cancellation of his Disco Dance Tour 2008.

His struggles with substance abuse led to several arrests over the years and in 2006 avoided jail after agreeing to undergo a lengthy drug treatment programme.

The Village People originally formed in 1977 and the group have sold more than 80 million albums and singles.

Willis co-wrote some of the camp disco group's biggest hits - including 1979's YMCA.