Psy’S ‘Gangnam Style’ Gets Los Angeles Lifeguards Sacked

Everyone loves a good viral video; we all have a chortle at it, and it makes instant stars of the people involved. It’s a great win all round for everybody. Unless you’re a member of the Los Angeles City Council that is. 13 lifeguards from the El Monte region of the city are now fighting for their jobs after a hilariously intended video that spoofed current YouTube sensation Gangnam Style by K-pop rapperPsy went down somewhat badly with officials.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the video has been watched over one million times, and one of those sacked, Michael Roa of the University of La Verne, commented “We thought it was hysterical and we wanted to try something fun,” adding "We were trying out some dance moves. We didn't think we did anything offensive."However, city officials claimed that the video was “unauthorized”, the group having used city resources without permission, namely their uniform red swim trunks and the city pool. "I understand we broke policies," protested Tam, 20, an economics and accounting major, "but we did not vandalize or damage property. Maybe they would consider suspension or a write-up so we don't have it on our resume for the future."

Mayor Andre Quintero largely set on the fence in a statement, which said "If these employees wanted to produce a video for their own enjoyment and memories, they could have asked for permission and shared the video with their family and friends using a medium that is less public. Fortunately for them, the video has received positive attention, but it could have just as easily received negative attention."Psy recently appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show with Britney Spears, teaching viewers the official dance routine for ‘Gangnam Style’.