UPDATED April 5, 2021: Nike’s temporary restraining order against MSCHF, the company known for “creating some of the most absurd, cynical, and viral projects and products that have spread across the internet” including the recent Lil Nas X “Satan Shoes,” has been upheld by New York U.S. District Court Judge Eric Komitee last Thursday.
The order immediately stops the shipment of any orders involving the controversial MSCHF Nike branded Air Max 97 “Satan Shoe.”
The judge heard from Nike’s lawyers as they submitted evidence that claimed “even sophisticated sneakerheads were confused” causing consumers to boycott the popular sneaker brand because people thought Nike was behind and supporting the devil shoe. The attorney said, “We have submitted numerous evidence that some consumers are saying they will never buy Nike shoes ever again.”
Nike told CBS News, “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.”
It was revealed to the court that all 665 sold-out “Satan” shoes had been shipped to their customers while the remaining 666th pair was scheduled to be given away to a fan through a Twitter giveaway. That has now been put on indefinite hold, according to an MSCHF statement.
Lawyers for MSCHF called the shoes art and referenced the “Jesus Shoes” their company also created that sold for $4,000. Those shoes contained holy water from the River Jordan and they argued that they didn’t face a lawsuit then. MSCHF told CBS News, “Heresy only exists in relation to doctrine. Who is Nike to censor one but not the other?”
The Hollywood Reporter uploaded a copy of the Judge’s written order and reported that an additional hearing will consider a “longer-lasting preliminary injunctive” that would ensure that no more “Satan Shoes” using the Nike shoe could be sold.
Lil Nas X posted on Twitter saying, “Sorry guys I’m legally not allowed to give the 666th pair away anymore because of the crying nerds on the internet.”
The day the shoes went on sale, on Franklin Graham’s Facebook page, he called the marketing endeavor dangerous and that the morals in our country have fallen fast. Then he followed up his comments by saying, “The Word of God says, ‘And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell’ (Matthew 10:28). Hell is a real place, and so is the eternal torment of those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”
ChurchLeaders original article written on March 30, 2021 below:
Rapper Lil Nas X, famous for his song “Old Town Road” with Billy Ray Cyrus, is stirring up a viral controversy over his latest partnership with MSCHF. Lil Nas X is collaborating with the New York corporation to release a limited edition line of “Satan Shoes.” The shoes will reportedly contain a drop of human blood mixed with 66CCs of red ink in the sole of the shoe. Precisely 666 pairs will be made available, representing the sinister mark of Satan. And the rapper didn’t stop there. On the side of each shoe, there will also be a scripture reference to Luke 10:18, a verse referring to Satan’s fall from heaven. The Satan Shoes will be adorned with upside-down crosses along with a pentagram fixed to the shoelaces. MSCHF is apparently known for “creating some of the most absurd, cynical, and viral projects and products that have spread across the internet.” When questioned, the company’s CEO Gabriel Whaley couldn’t even describe MSCHF, but he did explain what differentiates them from other companies:
“Being a company kills the magic,” Whaley recently told Business Insider. “We’re trying to do stuff that the world can’t even define. Our perspective is everything is funny in a nihilistic sort of way. We’re not here to make the world a better place. We’re making light of how much everything sucks.”
Unsurprisingly, news of the satanic shoe collaboration has created an uproar. Even Nike disapproves of the endeavor. “We do not have a relationship with Little Nas X or MSCHF,” Nike Media Relations told CBN. “Nike did not design or release these shoes and we do not endorse them.” A tweet from former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence captured more than 96,000 likes and 16,000 shares since it was posted yesterday afternoon.
Lawrence simply wrote, “Line has to be drawn somewhere. Smh.”
Fans emphatically agreed with his blatant disapproval. Lawrence is expected to be drafted No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 NFL draft, but his passions run much deeper than football. In the past, the quarterback has been very outspoken about his Christian faith and has taken a stand on various social issues. 
The shoe controversy also elicited a response from Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota. “Our kids are being told that this kind of product is, not only okay, it’s ‘exclusive.’ But do you know what’s more exclusive? Their God-given eternal soul,” Noem tweeted. “We are in a fight for the soul of our nation,” she added. “We need to fight hard. And we need to fight smart. We have to win.” Lil Nas X fired back, tweeting, “ur a whole governor and u on here tweeting about some d*mn shoes. do ur job!’ Clearly undaunted by the criticism, Lil Nas X released an “apology” video featuring him giving Satan a lap dance while singing, “f— it. Let’s ride.” The rapper’s Satan Shoes will be available to interested buyers starting on March 29 for $1,018 a pair. This article originally appeared here.
