Pop superstar Prince has fired off a cease and desist letter to an artist in Washington over copyright complaints.

Troy Gua launched a photo fan tribute to the star in his native Seattle last year (11), and the collection featured a small model of the Purple Rain hitmaker, striking some of his most iconic poses.

But now the 54 year old has ordered Gua to shut down the project by Friday (16Nov12) or else face legal repercussions for using his likeness without permission.

Revealing the news in a post on Facebook.com, the disappointed artist writes, "I will, of course, comply with their demands, whether I agree with them as matters of artistic freedom or not. I simply do not wish to fight with my hero, and it is terribly disheartening to think that he may hold ill will towards me and this project."