Nike sues MSCHF over Lil Nas X ‘Satan Shoes’ with human blood in soles
NBC News is reporting that Nike filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit Monday against the company that released a controversial customized version of its sneakers in collaboration with the rapper Lil Nas X.
Rapper Lil Nas X ‘Satan Shoes’ sold out in one minute. The shoes released on Monday March 29, and sold for a whopping price of $1018. There were only 666 pairs of shoes. This is inline with Satan theme of the shoes.
Nike filed the suit after major backlash against the company on Monday after the shoes were released. Lil Nas X was not named as a defendant.
Many people said they believed Nike was involved with the shoes, even though it released a statement over the weekend saying it had nothing to do with them.
The lawsuit argues that Nike must maintain control over its brand “by setting the record straight” about what products bear its distinctive “swoosh” logo.
“In fact, there is already evidence of significant confusion and dilution occurring in the marketplace, including calls to boycott Nike in response to the launch of MSCHF’s Satan Shoes based on the mistaken belief that Nike has authorized or approved this product,” the lawsuit says.
In a statement after the complaint was filed, Nike reiterated that it is in no way affiliated with the Satan Shoes.
We don’t have any further details to share on pending legal matters,” Nike said. “However, we can tell you we do not have a relationship with Lil Nas X or MSCHF.”
Lil Nas X tweeted about the news with a short clip from the cartoon “SpongeBob SquarePants,” in which a character says: “I was just kidding. … You guys know I was just kidding, right?”
The “Old Town Road” artist worked with MSCHF to release “Satan Shoes” on Monday. The sneakers are modified Nike Air Max 97s — decorated with a pentagram pendant and a reference to Luke 10:18, a Bible verse about Satan’s fall from heaven.
MSCHF, a company known for creating controversial and viral products, confirmed Sunday that the shoes contained a drop of human blood inside the sole, drawn from members of the MSCHF team. NBC News