Chad Hugo Files Lawsuit Against Pharrell Williams
Background of the Lawsuit
On January 23, 2024, Chad Hugo, one half of the iconic production duo The Neptunes, filed a lawsuit against his longtime collaborator Pharrell Williams, known as Skateboard P. The lawsuit was submitted to the United States District Court for the Central District of California and alleges that Pharrell has engaged in a “systemic denial” of Hugo’s contractual and ownership rights concerning their shared projects and entities.
Allegations of Breach of Duty
The lawsuit accuses Pharrell of breaching his fiduciary duty to Hugo, claiming that he has withheld crucial accounting information related to their royalties. According to the court documents, Hugo asserts that he contributed to approximately 50 studio sessions between 2019 and 2021, yet Pharrell has denied him his rightful share of publishing and record royalties. The suit contends that Hugo’s contributions have been overshadowed, with Pharrell allegedly taking full credit without proper attribution or compensation.
Claims for Compensation
Chad Hugo is seeking restitution for what he claims is up to $1 million owed to him in royalties from N.E.R.D’s 2017 album, No One Ever Really Dies. In addition to this amount, he is also claiming a percentage of merchandise sales associated with the album. The lawsuit calls for a jury trial to address these grievances.
Previous Legal Actions
This lawsuit is not the first legal entanglement between the two artists. In April 2024, Hugo previously filed a legal action against Pharrell, accusing him of attempting to unilaterally gain control of The Neptunes trademark. At that time, a spokesperson for Pharrell expressed surprise at the allegations, emphasizing that they had made multiple attempts to share ownership and administration rights regarding the trademark. The spokesperson stated that their primary goal was to prevent any third-party claims on the trademark while ensuring a collaborative approach to ownership.
Current Developments
As the legal battle unfolds, the music community watches closely to see how it will impact not only the personal relationship between Hugo and Pharrell but also the legacy of The Neptunes and N.E.R.D. XXL has reached out to Pharrell’s attorney for further comments on the ongoing lawsuit, but no statement has been released as of yet.
See Excerpts From Chad Hugo’s Lawsuit Against Pharrell
Conclusion
The legal dispute between Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams raises significant questions about artistic collaboration, credit, and the financial obligations that come with successful partnerships in the music industry. As both parties prepare to go to trial, the outcome could have lasting implications not only for their relationship but for the broader landscape of how artists manage their partnerships and rights.
FAQs
What are the main allegations in Chad Hugo’s lawsuit against Pharrell?
The main allegations include breach of fiduciary duty, withholding of royalties, and failure to provide proper attribution for contributions Hugo made to their projects.
How much money is Chad Hugo claiming in royalties?
Hugo claims he is owed up to $1 million in royalties for N.E.R.D’s 2017 album No One Ever Really Dies, plus a percentage of merchandise sales.
Have there been previous legal disputes between Chad Hugo and Pharrell?
Yes, prior to this lawsuit, Chad Hugo filed legal action against Pharrell in April 2024 concerning the control of The Neptunes trademark.
What does Pharrell’s spokesperson say about the allegations?
Pharrell’s spokesperson expressed surprise at the allegations, stating that they had made efforts to share ownership of the trademark and to ensure that both parties could benefit from their collaboration.
