Members of the pop-disco group the Village People have launched a $50 million lawsuit against Secretary of State Colin Powell for "tainting, besmirching and sullying the sober traditions and values of the Village People." Powell, in Jakarta at the ASEAN Regional Conference, Asia's largest security meeting, performed the Village People's hit song "YMCA" to an audience of diplomats and foreign ministers from around the world on July 2nd. The secretary was dressed as a construction worker and sang satirical lyrics as he danced in front of a cheering crowd.

Other US state department employees joined in, also parodying members of the 1970s group, whose hits included "YMCA," "In The Navy," and "Go West." David Hodo, the original construction worker in the Village People, issued a statement criticizing Powell for "making a mockery" of "a part of American history," as Felipe Rose, the original policeman in the group said that Powell's antics not only offended the group's dignity, but "may have frightened any children who were watching. Or their parents, come to think of it."