A posting on his official website explains: "Not long ago, an unauthorized version of the concert film 'Sign O' the Times' surfaced online. Supposedly
originating in Brazil and distributed by WEA International, this DVD is not
something that was approved by Prince or any of his affiliates. We all know that Prince is one of the most bootlegged artists of his generation, and while much of the activity is tolerated, it crosses the line when Prince's [former] record company gets in the mix. The [reason for this request is] to show a federal court the actual truth of this age-old rift between artist and label. Let Prince steward his own catalogue."

But not all his fans were impressed by the suggestion they should return albums from their collections without any form of compensation. One typical
posting on the Prince message board: "I bought all those in a shop, so I legally own them, and Prince wants me to send them back free of charge. Fool."