US EditionPharrell Williams Sued by Neptunes Partner Chad Hugo Amid Split: ‘Fraudulent Conduct’
Chad Hugo alleges Pharrell Williams withheld up to $1 million in royalties and breached fiduciary duties related to The Neptunes and N.E.R.D. finances, seeking damages and accounting.
- On Jan. 23, 2026, Chad Hugo filed a federal complaint in California alleging Pharrell Williams concealed material information and owes up to $1,000,000 for the 2017 N.E.R.D. album.
- After repeated demand letters beginning August 2021, Hugo's lawyers say he sought monthly statements and books with limited production, escalating to a March 2024 trademark case over The Neptunes name.
- Hugo's lawyers allege no revenue has been seen since September 2023 from an N.E.R.D. merchandising partnership, claiming he's owed $325,000-$575,000 with potential damages over $750k-$1M.
- Hugo is seeking a full accounting of revenues, recovery of withheld profits, and a declaratory judgment clarifying rights under the operating agreement, Brent J. Lehman said, calling Williams' conduct willful and fraudulent.
- As longtime collaborators and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees, Hugo argues The Neptunes' trademarks, licensing and commercial activities require approval from both partners.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Chad Hugo claims he is owed at least $1 million in damages
Pharrell Williams Is Facing Lawsuit Lodge By The Neptunes Co-Founder Chad Hugo
Pharrell Williams is facing a new lawsuit filed by Chad Hugo, his longtime childhood friend and production partner with whom he co-founded The Neptunes, considered one of the greatest music production duos of all time. Hugo has filed a legal complaint against his former partner over disputes involving ownership, financial compensation, and control of their brand. The duo dominated hip-hop, R&B, and pop throughout the 2000s, but despite strong fr…
NEPTUNES Drama: Chad Hugo Sues Pharrell For FRAUD!
Neptunes’ Chad Hugo Sues Pharrell Williams for Fraud Over Missing Music Royalties One of hip-hop’s most legendary creative partnerships is now facing a serious legal breakup. Chad Hugo, one half of The Neptunes and a founding member of N.E.R.D., has filed a lawsuit against longtime collaborator Pharrell Williams, accusing him of fraud, financial mismanagement, and withholding royalties. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 06: Chad Hugo attends Gold Ho…
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