Nike filed a trademark infringement lawsuit Monday against MSCHF, the designer that collaborated with rapper Lil Nas X to release 666 pairs of limited-edition Satan shoes.
“Nike filed a trademark infringement and dilution complaint against MSCHF today related to the Satan Shoes,” Nike said. “We don’t have any further details to share on pending legal matters. However, we can tell you we do not have a relationship with Lil Nas X or MSCHF. The Satan Shoes were produced without Nike’s approval or authorization, and Nike is in no way connected with this project.”
It took only six hours from the release of the sneakers for Nike to file suit, claiming it “has not and does not approve or authorize MSCHF’s customized Satan Shoes.” Nike also said the sneaker’s midsole “may pose safety risks for consumers,” since the shoes reportedly include red dye and a drop of human blood.
JUST IN: All 666 of Lil Nas X’s limited edition Satan shoes sold out in under a minute pic.twitter.com/PJv00vjaR5
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) March 29, 2021
In 2019, MSCHF modified Nike Air Max 97s to release a Jesus-themed shoe with Jordan River holy water drops in the sole. Evidently, this is not the first time the company has ripped off Nike sneakers, but Nike did not sue the company over its Jesus shoes.
The 21-year-old Lil Nas X has received criticism for the release of his Devil-inspired sneakers, which people say are disturbing. Yesterday, former Clemson quarterback and NFL draft prospect Trevor Lawrence said the “line has to be drawn somewhere.”
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,” tweeted former NBA player and 2018 NBA Finals champion Nick Young.
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
We’ve turned George Floyd, a criminal drug addict, into an icon.
We are promoting Satan shoes to wear on our feet.
We’ve got Cardi B named as woman of the year.
But we’re convinced it’s white supremacy that’s keeping black America behind.
How stupid can we be?
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) March 28, 2021
According to Entertainment Weekly, all 666 shoes sold out within one minute of the release.
“We do not have a relationship with Little Nas X or MSCHF,” Nike said in a statement. “Nike did not design or release these shoes, and we do not endorse them.”
