BREAKING: Pharrell Williams is embroiled in a bitter lawsuit with his former friend and business partner, Chad Hugo, as tensions escalate over an alleged $1 million royalty dispute tied to their music collective, N.E.R.D.
New reports confirm that Hugo has officially filed suit against Williams, claiming he has been unfairly cut from their business and is owed substantial royalties. According to a legal document obtained by Billboard, Hugo’s attorney alleges that Williams engaged in “self-dealing” and “concealed material information” regarding the financial dealings of their shared ventures.
The lawsuit reveals that the fallout between the two music icons, who started their friendship in Virginia as children, has turned into a public legal battle. The claims suggest that Hugo has not received his rightful share of earnings from album sales, touring income, and merchandising deals associated with both The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.
Hugo specifically accuses Williams of withholding critical financial documents necessary for understanding the revenue generated from their collaborations. His lawyers describe this as a “systemic denial” intended to obscure the truth about owed payments.
In a shocking revelation, Hugo claims he is owed up to $1 million from the 2017 N.E.R.D. album No One Ever Really Dies. “Plaintiff has not received his appropriate share of royalties,” the lawsuit states, emphasizing the financial strain this has placed on Hugo.
The tension between the two has been brewing for years, with Hugo’s legal team reportedly making several attempts to obtain financial records from Williams, which they claim have largely been ignored. “Defendant Williams’ persistent failure to provide [financial records] constitutes a breach of the operating agreement,” the lawsuit asserts.
Adding to the emotional weight of this dispute, Pharrell Williams recently disclosed that he no longer communicates with Hugo, despite their decades-long friendship. “But I love him, and I always wish him the absolute best, and I’m very grateful for our time together,” he stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
As this legal battle unfolds, fans and followers of both artists are left wondering how this will impact their legacies and future collaborations. The music industry is watching closely, as the outcome of this lawsuit could have significant ramifications for their respective careers.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as further details emerge.
