Prince takes action over UK concert photos

Prince is taking legal action to stop websites using copyrighted images after live photos from his UK concerts were allegedly published, a promotion company announced last night.

Contrary to reports, the artist is not suing his fans or looking to inhibit free speech in any way, AEG, which promoted Prince’s concert series in London, claimed in a statement.

“The action taken earlier this week was not to shut down fan sites, or control comment in any way,” the statement read.

“The issue was simply to do with in regards to copyright and trademark of images and only images and no lawsuits have been filed.”

Three websites published copyrighted images and live photos from Prince’s London concerts, according to AEG.

“Mediation between the parties is currently resolving the matter,” the group’s statement said.

Prince intends to offer some material for free online, bypassing “phoney fan sites that exploit both consumers and artists”, AEG said.

The promotions company said one of the alleged violators, Pirate Bay, is “exploiting copyrighted material for their commercial gain”.

Representatives from Pirate Bay did not immediately return a request for comment.