Why is Chad Hugo suing Pharrell Williams?

Chad Hugo is suing Pharrell Williams over accusations of unpaid royalties and "self-dealing," alleging that Williams has cut him out of their company and owes him substantial revenue.

How much money does Chad Hugo claim he is owed?

Chad Hugo claims he is owed as much as $1 million in unpaid royalties and distributions, with a significant portion potentially related to the 2017 N.E.R.D. album "No One Ever Really Dies."

What legal disputes have Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo had previously?

Prior to this lawsuit, Chad Hugo filed a trademark case in March 2024, accusing Pharrell Williams of "fraudulently" seeking sole control over the "The Neptunes" name, which remains pending.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Neptunes Partner Sues Pharrell Over Royalties

Neptunes Partner Sues Pharrell Over Royalties

24 Jan

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Summary

Chad Hugo is suing Pharrell Williams for alleged unpaid royalties.
Hugo claims he is owed up to $1 million from N.E.R.D. album sales.
The lawsuit details accusations of self-dealing and concealed information.

Neptunes Partner Sues Pharrell Over Royalties

Chad Hugo, formerly of the hit-making duo The Neptunes, has filed a lawsuit against his longtime partner Pharrell Williams. The suit, initiated on January 23, 2026, alleges Williams engaged in "self-dealing," concealed financial information, and diverted revenues owed to Hugo. Hugo claims to be owed as much as $1 million, with a significant portion potentially stemming from the 2017 N.E.R.D. album "No One Ever Really Dies."

Hugo's legal team has reportedly been seeking financial disclosures since 2021, sending demand letters over the past four years. They assert that Williams has largely ignored these requests, providing only "limited" and "incomplete" documents, thus breaching their operating agreement. This new legal action broadens the scope of their existing disputes, including a pending trademark case over "The Neptunes" name.