The former Wham star said he found it really sad that "that so many genuinely positive fans find themselves defending me (or themselves) constantly against attack".

George, who recently told Radio One DJ Jo Whiley that he planned to put all his future songs on the internet for free, said the forums would close on 20 July - giving fans time to decide which other sites to meet at.

George told fans: "I'm afraid that, having visited the forums on a regular basis over the past few months, simply to see how you guys thought the album/ interviews/promotion were going, I have decided to close them down."

"I feel bad for those of you who have always been supportive, but I'm afraid I want nothing to do with the bitching that has evolved between some members, (many members), and perhaps unofficial sites will be a calmer affair."

George's decision has generated a mixed response from fans. Some urged the music star to reconsider his decision - "I will be posting right until the last day (sob sob)" - while others have been more critical - "God knows why he's gone and done it - at a time when George should by trying to attract more people to his site, he's basically chasing us away. Now if that doesn't feel like a kick in the head, I'm not sure what does?"

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