UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, music mogul Pharrell Williams is facing a lawsuit from his former friend and business partner Chad Hugo, escalating tensions that have simmered for years. This urgent legal battle centers around allegations of financial misconduct and unpaid royalties, with Hugo claiming he is owed up to $1 million from their collaborative work.
Sources confirm that the lawsuit was filed in January 2026, with Billboard first reporting the details. The lawsuit alleges that Williams has engaged in “self-dealing” and has concealed vital financial information that would allow Hugo to assess his rightful earnings from their joint projects as members of The Neptunes. The accusations specifically target revenues from their N.E.R.D. album, particularly the 2017 release, No One Ever Really Dies.
Hugo’s legal team asserts, “Williams engaged in self-dealing, concealed material information, and diverted revenues owed to plaintiff.” They argue that such actions not only warrant compensatory damages but also punitive damages due to their malicious nature. The documents filed indicate that Hugo has been systematically denied access to crucial financial records, leading to what his lawyers describe as a “systemic denial” of transparency.
This lawsuit highlights a dramatic fallout between two artists who once dominated the hip-hop, R&B, and pop music scenes together. Formerly inseparable, their friendship has reportedly deteriorated to the point where Pharrell admitted he no longer communicates with Hugo. Despite the rift, Pharrell expressed gratitude for their time together in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, stating, “But I love him, and I always wish him the absolute best.”
The legal conflict has significant implications for both parties, particularly as it could reshape their professional legacies and financial futures. Hugo claims that ongoing attempts to resolve these issues amicably have been met with silence from Pharrell’s team. “Defendant Williams’ persistent failure to provide financial records constitutes a breach of the operating agreement,” Hugo’s lawyers stated in the filing. This lack of communication has left Hugo unable to evaluate buyout proposals or confirm revenue distributions owed to him from their music and touring income.
As this lawsuit unfolds, the music industry is watching closely. The outcome could not only impact the financial standings of both artists but also set a precedent for how artists manage partnerships and contracts in the future.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, shedding light on the ongoing legal disputes between these two influential figures in music. The ramifications of this lawsuit extend beyond personal grievances and could influence the broader landscape of music partnerships and financial transparency.
Expect the latest developments on this pressing issue as more information becomes available.
