Chad Hugo Expands His Legal Action, Claiming That Pharrell Excluded Him From the 2022 Production Credits
Music producer Chad Hugo has broadened his legal battle with longtime collaborator Pharrell Williams, introducing additional claims related to production credits and royalties.
Forbes reports that the revised filing expands on a lawsuit initially filed by Hugo in January 2026, in which he claimed that Williams owes him approximately $1 million in unpaid compensation related to songs they created as part of the iconic duo The Neptunes. Hugo argues that Williams launched multiple tracks he produced in 2022 without adequately acknowledging his contributions. The updated filing lists the songs “Motomami” and “La Combi Versace” by Rosalía from her 2022 album “Motomami,” as well as Latto’s track “Real One.”
The disagreement focuses on Hugo’s involvement in the production process. In the complaint, Hugo asserts that he was the “principal composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and producer responsible for programming, instrumentation, and overall sound design, while Defendant Williams more often served as the public-facing member of the duo.”
Nonetheless, the amendment may encounter legal challenges. A federal court may determine that the claims related to the songs released in 2022 fall outside the three-year statute of limitations under the U.S. Copyright Act. If that occurs, the copyright argument may be disregarded.
U.S. District Judge Andre Birotte is currently evaluating whether the lawsuit should continue in federal court. Hugo’s initial claims focus on breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty, issues typically handled at the state level.
Hugo’s attorney, Brent J. Lehman, alleged that Williams engaged in misconduct in the filing.
“Williams participated in self-dealing, hid crucial information, and … redirected funds that were due to the plaintiff,” Lehman stated. “Such deliberate, deceitful, and harmful behavior justifies the application of punitive damages.”
The legal dispute signifies a significant shift for Hugo and Williams, whose collaboration as The Neptunes helped shape a generation of hip-hop and pop production.
