Lil Nas X’s “Satan Shoes” Cause Nike Lawsuit

After releasing his new single “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” American songwriter Lil Nas X has been the subject of widespread online scrutiny. 

Alongside the variety of criticisms that his music video has received, other promotional tools utilized by Lil Nas Xhave landed him and his artist partners in legal trouble. 

As part of his release, Lil Nas X worked alongside the New York art group MSCHF to debut a custom shoe. However, their created Nike Air Max 97s has now been the subject of a recently declared lawsuit by Nike. 

Lil Nas X’s custom product featured:

• A pentagram hanging from the shoe’s lace cage.
• Lettering containing “666.”
• The Luke 10:18 bible verse details, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
• A drop of human blood in the liquid/gel bottom of the Air Max.

The shoes were priced at 1,018, and 666 pairs were created. Upon release, they sold out in minutes. 

Nike launched a lawsuit against MSCHF in response, noting that Nike’s brand image has been damaged because of their product. 

Nike alleges that MSCHF’s work violated their “swoosh” trademark, given that the logo is front and center as part of the shoe’s design. 

In the official suit, Nike wrote:

 “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 shoes were created by MSCHF and were not done in tandem with Nike officials, although the general public seems to believe they were. As such, they argue:

“As a direct and proximate result of MSCHF’s wrongful acts, Nike has suffered, continues to suffer, and/or is likely to suffer damage to its trademarks, business reputation, and goodwill that money cannot compensate.”

Nike is seeking damages for the impact that MSCHF has brought onto them and has requested a jury trial. Alongside that, they’ve extended a demand towards MSCHF to stop fulfilling orders placed for the shoe.