Why is Tyshawn Jones suing Supreme? $26 million defamation lawsuit against streetwear brand explained

26-year old pro-skater, Tyshawn Jones from the Bronx has filed a $26 million lawsuit against streetwear giant, Supreme on May 12, in Manhattan Supreme Court accusing the brand of "destroying" his career after a 13-year relationship with the brand.

As per the lawsuit, Shawn had a $1 million per-year endorsement agreement with Supreme, which was abruptly terminated, after collaborating with Jones since he was 11.

Jones alleged that the brand made "malicious, false remarks" about him, which impacted him from securing future work. While speaking to NY Post on May 12, Jones said,

"I am saddened it has come to this, but I have a duty to myself and my career, and feel a responsibility to the next generation of skateboarders to stand up for what is right. Supreme's success has been shaped in large part by the contributions of young talent, and I believe those contributions deserve to be respected."

Jones is considered the "Michael Jordan of the sport" for his impressive skating achievements. Supreme offered him a sponsorship deal when he was just 13, only to kill the deal in September, 2024, in an alleged effort to cut costs. In the lawsuit, Jones claims that after Supreme cut ties with Jones, other brands followed.

Why did Supreme cut ties with Tyshawn Jones?

As per Tyshawn Jones' lawsuit against Supreme, the brand while giving a reason for dropping a 13-year old partnership mentioned that Jones attempted an "incurable breach" of his contract, by doing an August 2024 photoshoot with Marc Jacobs.

However, Jones argued, that he had taken advantage of modeling and photoshoot oportunities for years, including representing brands like, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and more. Jones mentioned that Supreme had encouraged his endeavors with other brands, and never objected to it.

Jones accused Supreme of allegedly telling "multiple third parties" that "Tyshawn was kicked off Supreme" for "breaching his agreement with them" when in reality, he claims that he was dropped off due to "cost-cutting measures." The filing also states,

"Supreme's termination is pretext for cost-cutting. Doubling down on their bad faith and willful breach Supreme, through several statements both impermissible and false, has widely disparaged Tyshawn as a liability, a risk, someone no brand would want to affiliate with or work with."

Jones' contract was terminated prematurely, when he had 15-months still left in the contract, and he was removed from the team.

The streetwear giant is yet to respond to Tyshawn Jones' claims and the lawsuit.

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