Nike Sues Art Collective MSCHF Over Lil Nas X's 'Satan Shoes'

Nike is suing MSCHF, the art collective behind the controversial Satan Shoes, after users on social media posted angry comments pledging never to buy Nike products again.

The limited-edition Satan Shoes with real human blood in them, designed and sold by MSCHF art collective in collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X, have caused a massive stir on social media as conservative and religious influencers and politicians denounced the product. Now Nike, whose Air Max 97 shoes were used to create the sneakers and whose logo is featured on the product, is suing the brand.

In the 24-page-long lawsuit filed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Nike accuses MSCHF Product Studio of trademark infringement, false designation of origin and trademark dilution. In short, Nike believes that MSCHF falsely created the impression that Nike approved the design.

MSCHF is deceiving consumers into believing that Nike manufactures or approves of the Satan Shoes, and consumers’ belief that the Satan Shoes are genuine Nike products is causing consumers to never want to purchase any Nike products in the future.

The lawsuit also contains two and a half pages of social media comments in which users criticize Nike over the Satan Shoes and promise not to buy Nike products in the future.

The limited-edition 666 pairs of shoes reportedly sold out within one minute after the sneakers dropped on Monday.

The release coincided with the premiere of Lil Nas X's music video for his single "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)," which features Biblical scenes and has Lil Nas X giving Satan a lap dance before snapping his neck and claiming his horns for himself.