Lil Nas X’s ‘Satan Shoe’ Prompts Statement From Nike: ‘We Do Not Endorse Them’
Lil Nas X dropped his new “Montero” music video and it became the talk of social media for an entire weekend. Heaven and hell, angels, and a Satan figure rule the imagery, and he’s caught some backlash.
To accompany the release, he’s promoting a specially designed Satan-themed Nike sneaker that caused some people to do a double take. In light of the chatter, Nike issued an official statement to clarify whether the shoe is part of their product line.
Lil Nas X ‘Montero’ video caused controversy
Many Lil Nas X fans are cheering and defending the artist upon the debut of his “Montero” video, which serves as sort of an ode to his sexuality and individuality. Visuals include him kissing a snake being, a long ride down a stripper pole, and Lil Nas X giving Satan a lap dance.
Many criticized the singer for the religious imagery, but he was not deterred.
Lil Nas X tweeted a message explaining how the song and video proved his point. “I spent my entire teenage years hating myself because of the sh*t y’all preached would happen to me because i was gay. so i hope u are mad, stay mad, feel the same anger you teach us to have towards ourselves,” he wrote.
And then came the announcement about the Satan sneakers which invited negative commentary from the likes of Candace Owens, former NBA player Nick Young, K. Michelle, and even a governor.
Lil Nas X promotes limited edition Satan sneaker release
Though he’s been battling trolls and detractors for days, some of the attention came not only from the video, but from the sneaker.
Lil Nas X collaborated with MSCHF, and independent company that remixes sneakers. Their newest creation is the “Satan Shoe” which is said to contain red ink and 1 drop of human blood in their soles.
666 pairs of 1997 Nike Air Max sneakers have been made over with a red and black design that includes a pentagram charm on each shoe. With the Bible verse Luke 10:18 embossed on their sides, the shoes are packaged in Lucifer-themed boxes. They’re priced at $1,018 a pop and go on sale on March 29.
Lil Nas X is catching heat for the video and the shoes, which some are labeling as demonic. Members of the clergy, fans, politicians, and other public figures have expressed their outrage. He’s defending himself on social media, but there is also confusion about the origin of the sneakers.
Nike issues statement on Lil Nas X ‘Satan Shoe’
Some people — such as Candace Owens — are calling for a boycott of Nike when the company has nothing to do with the design or production for the Satan shoe. Nike made that clear with a statement to NBC News.
“We do not have a relationship with Little Nas X or MSCHF,” Nike said. “Nike did not design or release these shoes and we do not endorse them.”
For those wondering where the blood came from, MSCHF told NBC News it was drawn from various employees. The company has done other sneaker modifications, including one Jesus-themed design with “holy water” in the soles.
