Chad Hugo Sues Pharrell Williams Over Royalties and Control of The Neptunes

Chad Hugo is once again pursuing legal action against his longtime musical collaborator, Pharrell Williams, alleging withheld royalties and disputes over the ownership of their shared creative work.

According to USA Today, Hugo filed a civil complaint in California federal court on January 23, 2026, claiming Williams has improperly managed revenues from The Neptunes and their band, N.E.R.D., depriving Hugo of his rightful share.

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

The lawsuit accuses Williams of “self-dealing” and concealing information, allegedly diverting revenues owed to Hugo. Hugo’s attorney, Brent J. Lehman, stated in the filing that Williams’ conduct warrants punitive damages. Specifically, the complaint details that Hugo has not received his appropriate share of royalties from album sales, touring income, and merchandising deals related to The Neptunes, and N.E.R.D.

Hugo is seeking up to $1 million in unpaid royalties, particularly concerning revenue from N.E.R.D.’s 2017 album, NO ONE EVER REALLY DIES, the group’s last official project, with no revenue received since September 2023. MSN reports that this lawsuit expands on a previous claim filed less than two months prior.

Ongoing Legal Disputes

This is not the first legal battle between the two producers. In March 2024, Hugo initiated a lawsuit alleging Williams fraudulently sought sole control of the trademarks associated with The Neptunes’ production and songwriting work. That case remains ongoing in federal court.

Since 2021, Hugo has reportedly sought financial transparency regarding The Neptunes’ revenue through royalty and financial statements. However, his legal team claims Williams either ignored these requests or provided incomplete documentation.

A Strained Relationship

The professional rift has impacted the personal relationship between the longtime friends. Billboard reported that Williams revealed in September 2024 that he and Hugo were no longer speaking, stating, “I love him, and I always wish him the absolute best, and I’m very grateful for our time together.”

The Legacy of The Neptunes

Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo formed The Neptunes in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1992. According to Wikipedia, the duo rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, producing hits for numerous artists, including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Nelly, and Snoop Dogg. They were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 and received Honorary Doctorates from Berklee College of Music in 2021.

As of January 27, 2026, Pharrell’s camp stated a standard accounting review was already in progress, suggesting a potential resolution if discrepancies are found. “Pharrell has consistently acted in good faith,” the statement read.