Prince drops piracy legal action against fans

Prince has decided to drop a $22 million legal action against fans accused of posting bootleg footage of his concerts online.

Prince wanted $1 million each from 22 internet users but, according to TMZ which has obtained court documents, he has now decided not to pursue the case.

In a statement, Prince’s lawyer told TMZ that the illegal downloads had been removed.

Fans had reacted angrily to the news of the legal action.

Prince, 55, had intended to take legal action against 22 internet users who allegedly posted copies of his live performances on Facebook and on blogs.

“Because of recent pressure, the bootleggers have now taken down the illegal downloads and are no longer engaging in piracy,” his lawyer said.

“We recognize the fans craving for as much material as possible, but we’d prefer they get it from us directly than from third parties who are scalpers rather than real fans of our work,” the statement read.

Prince has often used legal battles to crack down on unauthorized distribution of his music.

Bootleg recordings are a bone of contention within Prince’s fan base, with many frustrated that the material has not been made commercially available.