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Nike is suing singer and rapper Lil Nas X’s “Satan Shoes” for trademark infringement, which was filed Monday. In collaboration with MSCHF Product Studio, Inc., Lil Nas X, 21, released 666 pairs of customizable Nike sneakers that sold out in less than 60 seconds.
The shoes are modified Nike Air Max 97s designed with a pentagram pendant priced at $1,018. Detailed on the controversial shoes is “Luke 10:18,” which is a Bible verse referencing Satan’s fall from heaven. MSCHF reported that there is a drop of blood from the MSCHF team inside the sole.
In the federal lawsuit, Nike requested that MSCHF “permanently stop” distributing the “unauthorized” shoes. Many believed Nike was involved in the production and creation of the shoe, however, Nike reported no authorization and is continuing with the lawsuit. Lil Nas X is not named in Nike’s pending lawsuit. MSCHF has yet to comment.
“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,” Nike responded.
Nike and Lil Nas X have received major backlash on social media. Many individuals have threatened to boycott Nike in response to the Satan shoes. The backlash sparked last Friday after Lil Nas X released his “Montero” music video. In the video, Lil Nas X is dressed as a fallen angel and demon while riding a stripper pole to hell. He is also featured giving the devil a lap dance. After the release, the rapper and singer gave the public a sneak peek of his new Satan shoes via Twitter.
In response to the music video and shoe tease backlash, Lil Nas X tweeted, “I spent my entire teenage years hating myself because of the shit y’all preached would happen to me because I was gay – So I hope u are mad, stay mad, feel the same anger you teach us to have towards ourselves.”
Lil Nas X also released a Youtube video titled “Lil Nas X Apologizes for Satan Shoe.” In the video, Lil Nas X holds the Satan shoe and the video cuts to a clip from his “Montero” music video. The teasing video portrays Lil Nas X giving the devil a lap dance without any apology.
Lil Nas X has yet to comment on the recent lawsuit. His real name is Montero Lamar Hill and is known for his song “Old Town Road.” Lil Nas X is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and internet personality.
