Controversies

CoolKicks Inc. and owner Adeel Shams sue Complex and Nice Kicks for defamation

Lawsuit filed

CoolKicks Inc. and its owner Adeel Shams filed a lawsuit against media brands Complex and Nice Kicks for defamation, trade libel, and false light. The suit alleges that a Complex article titled "Cool Kicks Raided and Accused of Selling Counterfeit Shoes" falsely claimed the company was caught in a counterfeit sneaker scandal, and that Nice Kicks shared a social media video falsely asserting Shams was arrested and the company made fake sneakers. The plaintiffs say law enforcement did not accuse them of selling counterfeit goods, that their reputations have been irrevocably damaged, and that Complex refused to print a retraction. Complex had not responded to a request for comment at the time of reporting.

CoolKicks Inc. and its owner Adeel Shams have filed a lawsuit against media brands Complex and Nice Kicks for defamation, trade libel, and false light. The suit alleges that a Complex article published last year, titled "Cool Kicks Raided and Accused of Selling Counterfeit Shoes", falsely claimed the company was caught in a counterfeit sneaker scandal, and that Nice Kicks shared a social media video falsely asserting Shams was arrested and the company made fake sneakers. The plaintiffs say law enforcement did not accuse them of selling counterfeit goods, that their reputations have been irrevocably damaged, and that Complex refused to print a retraction. Complex had not responded to a request for comment at the time of reporting.