Axl Rose Demands Google Drop 'Fat Axl' Images

Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose is demanding Google take down images of him that have been used as part of an internet joke.

The "Fat Axl Rose" meme features image macros of the singer, who has recently performed with AC/DC , alongside mocking references to his weight.

At least 11 requests have been made on behalf of the singer citing copyright violations since 31 May, according to Harvard University's Lumen Database.

Many of the photos adapt the lyrics to Guns N' Roses hits, including one that riffs on the song Sweet Child O' Mine to feature the tagline: "Sweet Pie O' Mine".

Another image changed a line from Knockin' On Heaven's Door to "Knock Knock Knockin' on McDonald's Door".

The Lumen Database shows Rose used a British company, Web Sheriff, to make the requests.

Google says it sends all such requests to the database for publication.

While fat-shaming is nothing new to women in the public eye, Rose is not the only male celebrity recently to find his physical appearance the butt of jokes.

Prison Break star Wentworth Miller recently shut down an internet meme after unflattering headlines about how he had gained weight, including "Fit to Flab" and "Hunk to Chunk".

He provoked an outpouring of support after posting on Facebook that he had turned to eating because he suffers from depression.