Chad Hugo has filed a lawsuit against longtime collaborator Pharrell Williams, alleging fraud, self-dealing, and the withholding of revenues following the breakup of their iconic production duo, The Neptunes.
According to legal documents obtained by Billboard, the lawsuit was filed on Friday, January 23, with Hugo accusing Pharrell of cutting him out of their shared business interests and failing to pay royalties owed from music they created together.
Hugo’s attorney, Brent J. Lehman, alleged that Williams concealed critical financial information and diverted income meant for Hugo, describing the conduct as “willful, fraudulent, and malicious.” The suit argues that such actions justify punitive damages.
The producer claims he has not received any revenue from N.E.R.D merchandising since 2023 and believes he is owed at least $1 million in unpaid royalties.
“After years of obfuscation by Pharrell and his team, Mr. Hugo had no choice but to seek substantial compensation and accountability in court,” Lehman said, adding that they are prepared to present evidence to secure full legal relief.
This lawsuit marks the second legal action Hugo has taken against Williams in two years. In 2024, he accused Pharrell of fraudulently attempting to gain sole control of The Neptunes brand name.
Pharrell Williams, who rose to fame alongside Hugo through their work on hits for artists like Britney Spears, Nelly, and Gwen Stefani, has not publicly commented on the lawsuit as of the time of this report.
The case sheds new light on what appears to have been a deeply fractured and far-from-amicable split between two of the most influential producers of the 2000s.
