Nike (NKE) has settled the legal battle with Brooklyn-based design brand MSCHF over the Lil Nas X “Satan Shoes”. In a statement to Yahoo Finance, Nike further distanced itself from the controversial shoe, as well as the MSCHF 2019 that created “Jesus Shoes” based on Nikes.
In both cases, the statement was, “MSCHF changed these shoes without Nike’s permission. Nike had nothing to do with the Satan Shoes or the Jesus Shoes.”
[Read more: Expert: Why Nike stands a ‘reasonably good chance’ to win its case vs Lil Nas X’s ‘Satan sneaker’]
As part of the settlement, Nike asked MSCHF to initiate a voluntary recall to buy back all Satan Shoes and Jesus Shoes at their original retail prices in order to remove them from circulation.
The statement also said, “If buyers were confused, or if they otherwise wish to return their shoes, they can do so for a full refund. Buyers who choose not to return their shoes and have a problem with the product later, defect or health concern should contact MSCHF, not Nike. The parties are pleased to have left this dispute behind. “
Nike told Yahoo Finance that both parties were happy to put the dispute behind them. However, the sportswear giant did not disclose further details of the settlement.
In an email to Yahoo Finance, David H. Bernstein of Debevoise & Plimpton, legal counsel to MSCHF, said the settlement was “the best way to [MSCHF] to leave this lawsuit behind so that it could devote its time to new artistic and expressive projects, “and noted that the brand” had already achieved its artistic goal “.
Bernstein wrote, “With these Satan Shoes – which sold out in less than a minute – MSCHF wanted to comment on the absurdity of the collaborative culture practiced by some brands, and the pernicious nature of intolerance. The 666 shoes (665 of which had already been sold and shipped to collectors before the temporary restraining order hearing last week) were individually numbered works of art that will continue to represent the ideals of equality and inclusion wherever they are exhibited. “
In an ironic twist, Nike may see itself in a legal battle with the United States Postal Service over a proposed USPS-inspired shoe – the Nike Air Force 1 USPS.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with comments from Debevoise & Plimpton.
Reggie Wade is a writer for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter at @ReggieWade
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