Tyshawn Jones vs. Supreme: Skate Icon Launches $26M Lawsuit
Skateboarding icon has filed a $26 million lawsuit against alleging breach of contract and defamation after the brand abruptly terminated his endorsement deal. Filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, the suit claims Supreme ended Jones's $1 million-per-year contract in September 2024 after he appeared in a Marc Jacobs campaign, despite the brand having approved similar collaborations in the past.
Jones, a Bronx native, has been tied to Supreme since he was 13. A two-time Thrasher Skater of the Year (2018, 2022), he’s earned his place among the sport’s elite, known for his fearless street skating, cultural clout, and crossovers into high fashion. Beyond the board, he co-founded and rides for Skateboarding.
According to court documents, Supreme cited an ‘incurable breach’ in its decision to sever ties. Jones, however, contends the move was retaliatory and harmful, claiming the brand spread false narratives that effectively blacklisted him across the industry. He’s seeking $1.25 million in unpaid earnings and an additional $25 million in damages for reputational harm.
The timing of the dispute is notable. Supreme, once the crown jewel of underground skate culture, have undergone major corporate changes: they were by VF Corporation in 2020 for $2.1 billion, then to EssilorLuxottica in 2024 for $1.5 billion. Some longtime fans argue the brand’s core identity has shifted in the process.
Supreme have yet to comment publicly on the lawsuit.
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