Update 04/02/2021 10:05am:

Previously, news surfaced noting that Nike was granted a temporary restraining order against Lil Nas X’s “Satan Shoes,” which are a take on the Air Max 97, that reportedly was set to feature a single drop of blood on each shoe. Now, the artist has called out Nike after noting he wouldn’t be able to give away the 666th pair as promised.

Via Twitter, Lil Nas X voiced his frustrations, saying “Sorry guys i’m legally not allowed to give the 666th pair away anymore because of the crying nerds on the internet.”

Lil Nas X called out Nike for hindering his freedom of expression, saying “I haven’t been upset until today, i feel like it’s f**ked up they have so much power they can get shoes canceled. freedom of expression gone out the window. but that’s gonna change soon.” In another tweet, he said “People make customs all the time, it’s never been a problem. Nike only stopped the [sale] of the shoe because a powerful group of people pushed them to do so." Take a look above. 

Update 04/01/2021 6:09pm:

The 665 pairs of Lil Nas X's custom Nike "Satan Shoes" that were ordered may not reach all of its buyers after Nike was granted a temporary restraining order against MSCHF, the art collective responsible for creating the controversial Air Max 97.

The court order ruled that the Brooklyn-based company cannot fulfill any of the orders after the shoes reportedly sold out in one minute. The raffle for the 666th pair of the shoe is currently on hold and Nike wants MSCHF to stop all orders currently in transit and recover them.

"Nike filed a trademark infringement and dilution complaint against MSCHF today related to the Satan Shoes," a spokesperson said. "We don't have any further details to share on pending legal matters. However, we can tell you we do not have a relationship with Lil Nas X or MSCHF. The Satan Shoes were produced without Nike's approval or authorization, and Nike is in no way connected with this project."

MSCHF's lawyer said that the majority of the shoes, which were priced at $1,018, have already been shipped. However, Nike's lawyer expressed "some serious doubts" that MSCHF was able to fulfill deliveries of that many shoes within only a few days. 

Nike's lawyer also argued that fulfilling the orders would not eliminate the "irreparable harm" caused by the shoes. The sneaker company stated that some customers are boycotting the brand for its apparent association with Satan.

Nike has claimed that it's the sole controller of where the signature Swoosh logo appears, "not to third parties like MSCHF."

Despite the controversy and backlash, Lil Nas X's single, "Montero," is expected to debut at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He is not named in the lawsuit.

Source: CBS News

Update 03/29/2021 6:59pm:

Nike filed a federal lawsuit against MSCHF Product Studio Inc. on Monday for the customized Nike Air Max 97s that were designed as part of the rollout for Lil Nas X's new single, "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)."

Nike previously spoke out against the shot equipped with "satanic-themed detailing" and released a statement announcing that it did not design or endorse the sneaker. In its lawsuit, Nike claims MSCHF's shoe was "done without Nike's approval or authorization, and Nike is in no way connected with this project."

The sneaker company is asking a federal judge to order the destruction of the sneakers, award them punitive damages, and any profits earned by MSCHF from the sales of the shoes.

Nike's lawsuit adds to the backlash Lil Nas X has received over his recent music video. Previously, the rapper responded to criticism from Joyner Lucas, Nick Young, and others after they spoke out against the "Old Town Road" singer.

Lil Nas X has been defiantly responding to critics with memes and by tweeting, "I had 9 months to plan this rollout. Y'all are not gonna win bro. I thought y'all didn't like political correctness. What happened?"

He continued by offering a hint that maybe the backlash was taking an emotional toll, but still made sure to promote the new single.

"I'll be honest all this backlash is putting an emotional toll on me," Lil Nas X wrote. "I try to cover it with humor but it's getting hard. My anxiety is higher than ever and stream call me by your name on all platforms now!"

Look above for images of Nike's lawsuit and Lil Nas X's responses.  

Original 03/29/2021 9:52am:

Update 03/29/2021 9:41am:

Nick Young previously took to Twitter to call out Lil Nas X for his latest song and video, “MONTERO,” noting that his kids won’t be listening to any of the music the artist puts out, due to the nature of the imagery seen in his new video. Along with that, a Nike collaboration with Lil Nas X and MSCHF was teased—an Air Max 97 that reportedly features a single drop of blood on them. Young called out Nike for the upcoming release as well.

Since then, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has called the artist and his sneaker out, saying it is corrupting the “God-given eternal soul” of kids.

Seemingly feeling the heat rising from critics over the sneaker, Nike jumped into the conversation to deliver some words of their own related to the “collaboration.” Via a statement they released, Nike said “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.”

source: NBC News

Original 03/28/2021 2:21pm:

Lil Nas X recently dropped the song “MONTERO,’ and the song gained a lot of attention, mainly for the video which featured the artist giving Satan a lap dance. While others laughed at the visual, many people have overreacted to the visuals put forth by Lil Nas X. Now, Nick Young has given his take on Lil Nas X’s latest work, and of course, the artist responded.

Nick Young took to Twitter and said “My kids will never play Old Town road again. I’m still debating about wearing @Nike after this come Nike a drop of blood for real." Young is referencing an Air Max 97 that is supposed to drop in relation to Lil Nas X, and the sneaker in question is allegedly supposed to feature one drop of blood. 

The artist has since then responded to Nick Young, saying “They shouldn’t be playing old town road anyway, we streaming call me by your name now.” Take a look above.

source: Page Six