Chad Hugo sues Pharrell Williams over alleged $750k–$1m from 2017 NERD album

Chad Hugo has sued Pharrell Williams, his production partner in the Neptunes, alleging Williams owes him up to $1m from the duo’s final NERD album, 2017’s No One Ever Really Dies. Hugo’s lawyers say Williams has withheld royalties and shares from touring income and merchandising and refused to provide financial documents despite repeated demands, meeting those requests only with “limited” and “incomplete” documentation in “a breach of the operating agreement.” They estimate Hugo’s share from the album could exceed “$750k-$1m.” The complaint accuses Williams of a “systematic denial” of Hugo’s rights and of engaging in “self-dealing, concealed material information and … diverted revenues owed to plaintiff,” and seeks punitive damages for what Hugo’s lawyers call “wilful, fraudulent and malicious conduct.” A representative for Williams told Billboard that a standard accounting review was under way and said: “The lawsuit filed is premature as there may not even be a dispute between the parties.

If the accounting review determines that money is owed, the appropriate party will pay it. Pharrell has consistently acted in good faith. He has great respect for Chad and looks forward to resolving this in a way that honours their shared history.” This is Hugo’s second suit against Williams; in 2024 he accused Williams of attempting to control the Neptunes name, a matter still before a federal trademark tribunal.

Key Topics

Culture, Chad Hugo, Pharrell Williams, Neptunes, Nerd, Royalties