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The move comes two months after Prince threatened to sue YouTube and other major internet sites for unauthorised use of his music. However this is the first time the artist has targeted fans directly, and the sites have vowed to unite under the banner "Prince Fans United" and take the matter to court if necessary.

"We

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strongly believe that such actions are in violation of ... freedom of speech and should not be allowed," says a statement from three of the sites.

"The law clearly provides for displaying of images of a celebrity's likeness for newsworthy events or matters which are considered to be public interest."

Web Sheriff, a company employed by the singer to control his online image, counters that the fan sites have spun the story so that it is "incorrect and misleading".

"At no time is Prince suing his fans and this is not about freedom of speech," says John Giacobbi, managing director of Web Sheriff. "The current issue is one between Prince's record label and three unofficial websites and relates to the use of Prince trademarks and photographs, many of which are Prince's copyright."