Pro skater Tyshawn Jones has parted ways with Supreme after more than a decade of collaboration, and the split has turned litigious.
Once the face of the brand’s skate division, Jones began working with Supreme at just 11 years old. By 13, he was officially signed to Team Supreme, cementing a long-standing partnership that helped define the intersection of skateboarding and streetwear. Now, at 25, Jones is suing the brand he helped elevate, alleging they abruptly severed his contract and smeared his name on the way out.
According to a lawsuit filed in New York County Supreme Court, Jones claims Supreme wrongfully terminated their agreement in late 2023. The brand accused him of breaching contract by appearing in a Marc Jacobs campaign while wearing a “Superman” sweater designed in collaboration with NIGO.
Tyshawn Jones argues the photoshoot didn’t violate their deal and says he’d been transparent about modeling for other labels. He alleges the firing wasn’t about brand integrity—it was about cutting costs during Supreme’s pending sale to eyewear conglomerate EssilorLuxottica.
The complaint describes Supreme’s actions as a calculated move to avoid paying out obligations owed under the contract, which still had 15 months remaining. Jones says the company owes him $1.25 million in outstanding sponsorship payments. Beyond the unpaid compensation, he is seeking $25 million in damages for what he calls “wanton and egregious” conduct that has harmed his reputation and limited future opportunities.
“Supreme’s termination is pretext for cost-cutting,” the lawsuit states. “Doubling down on their bad faith, Supreme has spread false claims that paint Tyshawn as a liability, a risk, and someone no brand should work with.”
In a statement to the New York Post, Jones expressed disappointment but emphasized the need to defend himself.
“I’m saddened it’s come to this, but I have a duty to protect my career. I also feel a responsibility to the next generation of skateboarders. Supreme’s success has been shaped by young talent, and those contributions deserve respect.”
Jones, a two-time Skater of the Year, has been a visible presence in both skateboarding and fashion. His lawsuit marks a significant rupture in one of streetwear’s most iconic partnerships.
As the case unfolds, it could have wide-reaching implications for how brands handle athlete and artist sponsorships in the high-stakes world of fashion and skate culture.
Leave a Reply