Pharrell Williams is being sued by his Neptunes collaborator Chad Hugo again.
The Happy hitmaker – who was subject of legal action from his former songwriting partner two years ago in a row over a trademark – has been accused of carrying out “willful” and “malicious” fraud with a “systematic denial” of Chad’s royalties and rights as part of the Neptunes and N.E.R.D..
Chad claimed he is owed $1 million in royalties from N.E.R.D.’s 2017 album No One Ever Really Dies.
According to documents obtained by Billboard, Chad’s attorney, Brent J. Lehman wrote: “Williams engaged in self-dealing, concealed material information, and … diverted revenues owed to plaintiff.
“Such willful, fraudulent, and malicious conduct warrants the imposition of punitive damages…
“Plaintiff has not received his appropriate share of royalties in connection with The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.’s album sales and released music, as well as distributions from touring income, and various merchandising deals.”
According to Chad’s legal team, he has received no money since September 2023 from an N.E.R.D. merchandising partnership, and alleged he is owed “at least $325,000-$575,000” from No One Ever, with “potential damages” over the album “exceeding $750k-$1M.”
Last month, Pharrell’s own legal team are said to have “promised to produce documents” about finances but ultimately “no documents were ever produced” to resolve the situation.
The court documents added: “Notably, defendant Williams’ counsel admitted having difficulty accessing the documents but acknowledged that such documents exist.”
The lawyer insisted Chad had “no choice” but to take legal action.
He said in a statement: “After years of obfuscation by Pharrell and his team, Mr. Hugo had no choice but to seek substantial compensation and accountability in court.
“We look forward to presenting the evidence and obtaining the full relief the law provides.”
Back in 2014, Chad’s legal team claimed Pharrell had “knowingly and intentionally” filed trademark applications for his band N.E.R.D., his Miami hotel Goodtime Hotel, and more without consulting his old school friend, despite being “fully aware” that his partner should have been listed as a co-owner.
His lawyer wrote: “Throughout their over 30 year history, [Hugo] and Williams agreed to, and in fact, have divided all assets.
“By ignoring and excluding [Hugo] from the any and all applications filed by applicant for the mark ‘The Neptunes,’ applicant has committed fraud in securing the trademarks and acted in bad faith.”
Months later, Pharrell confirmed he and Chad were no longer speaking.
Asked about their relationship, Pharrell told The Hollywood Reporter: “I always wish him the absolute best.”
And then asked if they are on speaking terms, he added: “No. But I love him, and I always wish him the absolute best, and I’m very grateful for our time together.”