CoolKicks Inc and its owner, Adeel Shams, are suing Complex and Nice Kicks for defamation over allegations that the sneaker business sold counterfeit footwear.
The legal action centres on a Complex article published last year under the headline “Cool Kicks Raided and Accused of Selling Counterfeit Shoes”. CoolKicks and Mr Shams claim the report falsely suggested the company had been caught up in a counterfeit sneaker scandal.
They argue the allegations were demonstrably untrue, saying law enforcement did not accuse the business or its shoes of being fake or counterfeit.
The lawsuit also alleges that Nice Kicks shared a social media video which falsely claimed Mr Shams had been arrested and that CoolKicks had manufactured or sold fake sneakers.
CoolKicks and Mr Shams say the claims caused serious and lasting damage to their reputations, with the business suffering as a result.
The plaintiffs claim Complex declined to publish a retraction and argue that the harm caused by the allegations can no longer be undone.
The case includes claims for defamation, trade libel and false light. Complex has been approached for comment but has not responded.
