Update:
On Monday (March 29), Nike filed a federal lawsuit against MSCHF Product Studio Inc. for the customized Nike Air Max 97s that were equipped with “satanic-themed detailing.” The sneakers, which were a collaborative effort with Lil Nas X, sparked controversy over the weekend and Nike released a statement saying that they did not design or endorse the shoes.
According to the lawsuit, the retail company states the shoes were “done without Nike’s approval or authorization, and Nike is in no way connected with this project.” They are asking a federal judge to award them any profits earned by MSCHF from the sales of the shoes and order the destruction of the sneakers. Nike is also seeking punitive damages.
Check out images of the lawsuit below.
Original Article:
Nike has distanced itself from Lil Nas X’s controversial Satan shoes. The kicks, which are a modified pair of Nike Air Max 97s, sparked backlash from a lot of people over the Palm Sunday weekend. The sneakers are decorated with a pentagram pendant and a reference to Luke 10:18 — a Bible verse about the devil’s fall from heaven. Reportedly only 666 pairs were made, a number that is closely associated with Satan.
“We do not have a relationship with Little Nas X or MSCHF,” Nike said in a statement, according to NBC News. “Nike did not design or release these shoes and we do not endorse them.”
The sneakers also contain a drop of human blood in the sole, which came from members of the MSCHF team.
A lot of people took to social media to criticize the “Old Town Road” emcee and Nike for promoting the Satanic sneakers. Pastor Mark Burns tweeted, “These #SatanShoes by #Nike & #LilNasX with 666 and a drop of human blood in the sole is a reason why we Christians must be prayed up ready to battle in the spirit with the Voice of the Holy Spirit. This is evil & heresy and I pray that Christians rise up against this.”
“Nike and Lil Nas X really said, ‘Fuck it, let’s sponsor Satan worshippers and add a Bible verse to the packaging to demean God,’” tweeted @protecttyaaneck. “I ain’t even religious like that, but the world we live in today bro, human blood? You don’t even have to be religious to feel some type of way about that shit.”
Despite the backlash, Lil Nas X’s Satan shoes sold out in less than a minute. As REVOLT previously reported, the limited-edition sneakers were released on Monday morning (March 29) and were priced at $1,018 each.