Neptunes Lawsuit: Chad Hugo Sues Pharrell Over Financial Dispute

Pharrell Williams is facing a lawsuit from his longtime ‌production partner, Chad Hugo, over alleged unpaid ‍royalties and profits from their work as the duo‌ NERD. Hugo claims Williams ‌owes him between $750,000 and‌ $1 million from their 2017 album,⁤ No One Ever Really Dies, as well as earnings from ⁣touring and ⁣merchandise.

The Neptunes ⁢and NERD: A Legacy of Sound

The neptunes, comprised of Pharrell Williams‌ and Chad Hugo, rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming ‍one of the most​ influential ‍production teams in music history. They crafted hits ‍for artists including Britney spears, Beyoncé, Kelis, Justin Timberlake, ⁢and Clipse. Alongside their work as‌ The Neptunes, Williams and Hugo formed the⁣ alternative‌ rock/hip-hop band ⁣NERD, releasing five albums, with their most recent ⁤being No One Ever Really Dies in 2017.

Allegations⁤ of Financial Misconduct

According to ⁣the lawsuit,‍ Hugo alleges ⁤that Williams withheld royalties,⁤ touring income, and merchandising shares. hugo’s legal team further asserts that Williams repeatedly refused to provide⁢ transparent financial documentation, violating their operating agreement. the ⁣lawsuit claims a “systematic denial” of Hugo’s rights, accusing Williams of “self-dealing, concealed material information and … diverted revenues owed⁢ to plaintiff,” and seeks punitive damages consequently of what they describe as “wilful, fraudulent and malicious conduct.”

Williams’ Response and Ongoing Accounting Review

A representative⁤ for Williams stated to Billboard that‍ a standard accounting review is currently underway. The⁢ statement indicated the lawsuit⁢ was “premature,” suggesting ⁣a dispute may not ultimately exist. “If the accounting‍ review determines ‌that⁣ money ‍is⁣ owed, the appropriate party will pay it,” the representative said, adding that williams “has consistently acted in good faith” and “has great respect for‌ Chad and looks forward to resolving this in a way ​that honours their shared history.”

Previous Legal⁤ Disputes and Trademark Issues

This is not the first legal battle between Williams and Hugo. In 2024, Hugo filed a separate lawsuit