Report: Prince To Sue Fan Sites?

Prince

He's a singer who has made some odd career moves in his time, from changing his name to an unpronounceable love symbol to scrawling "slave" on his cheek in protest at his record company. But industry experts yesterday warned that PRINCE's latest decision might be the most controversial of all, writes U.K.'s GUARDIAN. He has threatened to sue thousands of his biggest fans for breach of copyright, provoking an angry backlash and claims of censorship.

PRINCE's lawyers have forced his three biggest internet fansites to remove all photographs, images, lyrics, album covers and anything linked to the artist's likeness. A legal letter asks the fansites to provide "substantive details of the means by which you propose to compensate our clients (PAISLEY PARK ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, NPG RECORDS and AEG) for damages".

The singer himself is believed to take a close interest in unofficial use of his image and music, monitoring websites from his sprawling PAISLEY PARK studio complex in MINNEAPOLIS.

A coalition named PRINCE FANS UNITED, representing HOUSEQUAKE.COM, PRINCEFANS.COM and PRINCE.ORG, has been formed by the website organisers to fight back. They said they would contest the action on the basis that it was an attempt "to stifle all critical commentary about PRINCE". They added that the "cease and desist" notices went as far as calling for the removal of pictures taken by fans of their PRINCE tattoos and their vehicles carrying PRINCE-inspired licence plates.

« see more Net News