Earlier this morning, Lil Nas X and Brooklyn-based collective MSCHF launched a custom Air Max 97 equipped with a drop of human blood in its Air bubble, 666 branding, a pentagram hangtag, and more. The sneakers leaked over the weekend and, to no ones surprise, sent the internet into a frenzy, with a number of people erroneously condemning Nike for putting out a Satan-themed sneaker. Almost immediately, Nike responded, saying, We do not have a relationship with Little Nas X or MSCHF. Nike did not design or release these shoes, and we do not endorse them.
Now, less than six hours after the shoes releaseand prompt selloutNike is suing MSCHF over the sneaker. One of the key claims in Nikes filed lawsuit reads, Nike has not and does not approve or authorize MSCHFs customized Satan Shoes.
Moreover, MSCHF and its unauthorized Satan Shoes are likely to cause confusion and dilution and create an erroneous association between MSCHFs products and Nike. 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 MSCHFs Satan Shoes based on the mistaken belief that Nike has authorized or approved this product.
Furthermore, Nike claims that the manipulation of the sneakers midsole may pose safety risks for consumers. Each of the 666 Satan sneakers is said to contain a mixture of red dye and human blood. Nike has not yet responded to a request for comment on the lawsuit.
In an exclusive interview with Complex prior to the shoes launch, MSCHF cofounder Daniel Greenberg said, I feel like, no matter what drop it is, its hilarious that we always get the same question about legality. Every outlet always asks, How have you guys not been sued into oblivion yet? We havent, obviously. Were still here. Id say specifically, in terms of Jesus shoes and Satan shoes, it is totally legal in the sense that, because were not doing knockoffs, because we are buying their shoes and doing our art to it and selling it for more, its, like, 1,000 percent legal.
MSCHF's Jesus-inspired Air Max 97 from 2019. Image via Stadium Goods MSCHF previously released a Jesus-themed Air Max 97 in 2019, which featured holy water from the River Jordan in its Air unit. While it was met with criticismalbeit to a lesser degreeno legal action was taken by Nike.
Following the news of the lawsuit, Complex reached out to Greenberg, who has not yet responded to the request for comment.