Chad Hugo has taken legal action against Pharrell Williams, intensifying the fallout between the co-founders of The Neptunes.

Known for shaping the sound of the early 2000s, Hugo and Williams face new tensions as Hugo accuses his longtime collaborator of withholding substantial revenue from their group, N.E.R.D.

The newly filed federal lawsuit alleges that Williams engaged in “self-dealing” and withheld key financial information concerning their shared business ventures under N.E.R.D. Music LLC.

Hugo claims he has been excluded from access to financial records and is owed approximately $1 million in unpaid royalties, linked primarily to the group’s 2017 album “No One Ever Really Dies” and related merchandising income.

His legal team describes these actions as intentional and malicious, seeking punitive damages for breaching their professional agreement.

This case builds upon a previous dispute in 2024, when Hugo accused Williams of unilaterally attempting to register trademarks for “The Neptunes.”

Although Williams publicly expressed best wishes for Hugo despite their fractured communication, this latest lawsuit underscores what appears to be a complete breakdown in their partnership.

Hugo has stated he had no alternative but to bring the matter before the court, citing years of alleged concealment and financial impropriety.