Pharrell Williams Sued by Former Neptunes Partner Chad Hugo Over Alleged Unpaid Royalties
Chad Hugo has filed a lawsuit against his former producing partner Pharrell Williams.
The pair previously formed the record production duo known as The Neptunes. Together, they wrote songs like “Hot in Herre” for Nelly, Gwen Stefani‘s “Hollaback Girl,” Justin Timberlake‘s “Rock Your Body,” and many other major hits. They also co-founded the band N.E.R.D.
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Now, Chad is alleging that Pharrell cut him out of their company and owes him up to $1 million from a past N.E.R.D. album, reports Billboard.
Chad‘s attorney, Brent J. Lehman, accused the “Happy” singer of self-dealing, concealing material information, and diverting revenue that was owed to the plaintiff, among other things.
“Such willful, fraudulent, and malicious conduct warrants the imposition of punitive damages,” wrote Lehman.
According to the outlet, Chad previously filed an action accusing Pharrell of “fraudulently” seeking control over the “Neptunes” name, a dispute that is still pending.
The new lawsuit significantly expands the dispute, with Chad alleging that Pharrell withheld royalties and refused to provide records needed to determine what he’s owed, conduct his lawyers describe as a “systemic denial” of his partnership rights.
The filing claims Chad could be owed up to $1 million in damages from N.E.R.D.’s 2017 album No One Ever Really Dies.
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