Nike Sues Over Lil Nas X's 'Satan Shoes'
Nike is taking legal action against the company behind Lil Nas X’s controversial “Satan Shoes.”
On Monday, the sneaker giant filed a lawsuit against MSCHF Product Studio, the art collective that collaborated with the “Old Town Road” rapper to produce the Satan Shoe.
The controversial sneaker was inspired by Nas’ video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).” Each pair of the customized Air Max 97s are individually numbered in red embroidery and contains 66 CCs of red ink, as well as one drop of human blood. All 666 pairs, which retail for $1,018, sold out within a minute after they went on sale Monday.
The shoes feature Bible scripture Luke 10:18 printed on the side, which refers to Satan’s banishment from heaven. There are also upside-down crosses and a pentagram attached to the laces.
MSCHF x Lil Nas X "Satan Shoes" 🏹
👟Nike Air Max '97
🩸Contains 60cc ink and 1 drop of human blood
🗡️666 Pairs, individually numbered
💰$1,018
🗓️March 29th, 2021 pic.twitter.com/XUMA9TKGSX— SAINT (@saint) March 26, 2021
However, the shoes are not an official Nike product and the company doesn’t want their name attached to it. According to legal documents, obtained by TMZ, Nike claims that MSCHF is tricking consumers into thinking it approved the Satan-themed shoes. Nike wants it to be known they are “in no way connected with this project.”
Nike claims MSCHF buys the shoes from Nike and customizes them before selling them at a higher price. Nike is suing for trademark infringement as well as damages. Additionally, Nike wants the judge to block all sales of the Satan Shoe.
The sneaker has sparked backlash from the sports world. “Line has to be drawn somewhere. Smh,” tweeted star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, while former NBA star Nick Young also expressed his outrage.
“My kids will never play Old Town road again.. I’m still debating about wearing @Nike after this come nike a drop of blood for real,” Young tweeted before later apologizing to Lil Nas X and Nike.
Line has to be drawn somewhere. Smh. https://t.co/89bSqfPtyE
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) March 28, 2021
My kids will never play Old Town road again.. I’m still debating about wearing @Nike after this come nike a drop of blood for real
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) March 28, 2021
my bad @Nike I knew y’all wasn’t going out like that
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) March 28, 2021
I dnt want know SMOKE! imma say it first I AM SORRY @LilNasX I HOPE y’all believe in that kinda thing forgiveness … these Hackers keep getting me they need to stop
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) March 28, 2021
Nas, who is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, doesn’t seem to mind the controversy. He even shared a SpongeBob meme making light of the Nike lawsuit.
me after the nike lawsuit pic.twitter.com/XVLjHlSrru
— nope 🏹 (@LilNasX) March 29, 2021