Federal judge sides with Nike in lawsuit over Lil Nas-X ‘Satan Shoes’

U.S. District Judge Eric Komitte ruled on Thursday that Brooklyn-based company MSCHF Product Studio should temporarily halt production of its controversial “Satan Shoes” produced in collaboration with the rapper Lil Nas X, siding with Nike, CNBC reports.

Nike’s lawsuit claims that the limited-edition shoes infringed on its trademark and logo.

MSCHF lawyers’ argued that the shoes are “not typical sneakers, but rather individually-numbered work of art,” according to CNBC.

The company released “Jesus Shoes” in the same Nike Air Max 97 model in 2019. 

MSCHF said a temporary order halting production would be unnecessary since the buyers wouldn’t think Nike was involved with the shoe and all 666 pairs of the sneakers that were being produced had been sold

“MSCHF strongly believes in the freedom of expression,” the company said in a statement. “We look forward to working with Nike and the court to resolve this case in the most expeditious manner.”

Lil Nas X’s shoes were released in connection with his new song “MONTERO,” the video for which features images of Satanism. All 666 shoes, which cost $1,018 a pair, sold out in minutes. 

“The court issued a Temporary Restraining Order against MSCHF,” Nike said in a statement to The Hill. “We don’t have further details to share on pending legal matters.” 

Updated 4:19 p.m.