The designer of the "
satanic
"
sneakers
born from a collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X, and whose soles contain a drop of human blood, according to its manufacturer, has been ordered to cease their delivery after a legal action brought by Nike, according to court documents consulted by AFP.
To read also: Rapper Lil Nas X launches a "satanic" sneaker containing human blood
The sportswear giant had sued the company MSCHF, which specializes in limited-series products, which go on sale online on a given date.
Nike accuses the Brooklyn-based company of trademark infringement and dilution.
The "
satanic
"
sneakers
were made in partnership with the American rapper Lil Nas X, made famous by his hit "
Old Town Road
", whose remix flew over the spring and summer of 2019.
666 copies
The model is initially an Air Max 97 sneaker manufactured by Nike, to which have been added some distinctive signs reminiscent of the devil, in particular a pentagram (five-pointed star), sometimes considered a satanic symbol.
A drop of human blood was also injected into the sole, according to MSCHF.
As of Monday, the day of the sale of this model to 666 copies, a number also associated with the devil, Nike sued the small company in a federal civil court in Brooklyn.
The equipment manufacturer requested the suspension of the delivery of the pairs of shoes, which were all sold on Monday, at 1,018 dollars a pair (about 864 euros).
On Thursday, a U.S. federal judge issued an interim restraining order preventing MSCHF from shipping orders for the shoes and further using the Nike brand, according to documents seen by AFP.
An "irreparable damage" for Nike
The judge considered that the actions of the MSCHF art collective were "
likely to confuse (...) consumers about the origin, sponsorship or approval
" of the shoes, and that they "would
dilute and would tarnish
”Nike's brand, causing“
irreparable harm
”without this order.
In a statement released Thursday, MSCHF defended its view that these shoes are art and their production is free speech.
“
There's no better way to start a conversation about consumer culture than by participating in consumer culture
,” the company said.
MSCHF says it was "
honestly surprised
" by Nike's action, and "
looks forward to working with Nike and the court to resolve this matter as quickly as possible
".
Read also: Rapper Lil Nas X comes out on Twitter
The temporary restraining order will stand until a decision is made on Nike's preliminary injunction motion.
MSCHF is due in court on April 14.
The “
satanic
”
sneakers
were designed by MSCHF after the “
Jesus sneakers
”, white Nike Air Max 97s, which contained holy water in the sole.
Nike has not taken legal action for this product line, MSCHF noted in its press release.
