Nike Is Suing Over Lil Nas X’s Human Blood Shoes, And He Doesn’t Seem Fazed At All
While the world is consumed with Satanic Panic, Lil Nas X just makes memes.
Over the last week, the internet has exploded with a raft of memes, bizarre news stories and strange controversies, all thanks to Lil Nas X and his wild ‘Montero’ video.
The clip, which features an extensive cameo from the dark lord Satan himself, has kicked off a new era of satanic panic, with conservatives around America decrying the imagery and its supposed malevolent influence on the malleable youth.
For his part, Lil Nas X has responded to the controversy with his usual sense of humour, taking on the worst of the conservatives on Twitter.
But now, the story has taken a new dimension, with controversial footwear retailer Nike getting involved in the shitshow. See, the young rapper collaborated with a Brooklyn art collective known as MSCHF to produce a run of 666 ultra-rare, ultra-expensive shoes modelled on Nike’s Air Max. The shoes apparently include a “drop of human blood” in the sole, and are priced at US$108, a reference to the Bible passage in the book of Luke: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”.
The thing is, it turns out Nike hadn’t been contacted about the shoe, and are now taking legal action.
As reported by Music Feeds and Billboard, Nike have publicly responded to the art piece, decrying getting dragged into the controversy. “There is already evidence of significant confusion and dilution occurring in the marketplace, including calls to boycott Nike in response to the launch of MSCHF’s Satan Shoes based on the mistaken belief that Nike has authorized or approved this product.”
Of course, it’s a bit rich that Nike would worry about being associated with the shoe when for years it has been known that the company operates on inhumane and exploitative working practices. Seems like a red sneaker designed to tie into the hottest new music video would be the least of the company’s ethical worries.
But hey, at least Lil Nas X is taking it all in his stride.
me after the nike lawsuit pic.twitter.com/XVLjHlSrru
— nope 🏹 (@LilNasX) March 29, 2021