Prince is demanding fan-run websites to remove all his lyrics and images, a move that shocks many of the pop icon's followers.

Fan sites dedicated to Prince say they have been served legal notice from Prince's legal team, threatening to shut down a trio of fan sites unless they remove all photos, images, cover art and lyrics related to the 49-year-old artist, media reports said yesterday.

Some Prince fans were surprised by the threat, which was made more ironic as the singer has won an Internet award last year for "reshaping the relationship between artist and fan."

The sites' owners have formed Prince Fans United and have vowed to fight the requests, labeling Prince's efforts "bullying tactics" to "stifle all critical commentary about Prince" and a violation of their free-speech rights.

"The irony is that someone who has won that award is now challenging the very ethos of the Internet," said a spokesman for Prince Fans United.

They urged Prince to reconsider his decision, and vowed to take the matter to court if necessary.

But Web Sheriff, a company helping Prince control his image and music on the Internet, denies allegations that Prince was deliberately attacking his audience.

"At no time is Prince suing his fans and this is not about freedom of speech," said 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," he said.

The "Let's Go Crazy" singer has long regarded as a maverick in the music business.

He performed with the word "SLAVE" scrawled across his cheek in protest against his then record label and changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol.

Two months ago, he also threatened to sue YouTube and other major Internet sites for unauthorized use of his music and image.