Story perspectives

Chad Hugo Sues Pharrell for $1 Million Over Royalties

1/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chad Hugo of The Neptunes and N.E.R.D. filed a lawsuit against Pharrell Williams on January 23, seeking up to $1 million tied to the 2017 album No One Ever Really Dies.
Hugo accuses Pharrell Williams of self-dealing.
Hugo alleges Williams withheld financial records.
Hugo alleges Williams did not distribute royalties.
Brent J. Lehman, Hugo's attorney, says the actions are willful and malicious and warrant punitive damages.

History

Historical Context

The Music Modernization Act, signed into law on October 11, 2018, reformed U.S. copyright laws to ensure fair compensation for artists in the digital age. This legislation established the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) to streamline royalty distribution, addressing long-standing issues in the music industry. Ongoing disputes, such as Chad Hugo's lawsuit against Pharrell Williams, highlight the need for continued reforms to protect artists' rights.

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Story summary

Chad Hugo of The Neptunes and N.E.R.D. filed a lawsuit against Pharrell Williams on January 23, seeking up to $1 million tied to the 2017 album No One Ever Really Dies.
Hugo accuses Pharrell Williams of self-dealing.
Hugo alleges Williams withheld financial records.
Hugo alleges Williams did not distribute royalties.
Brent J. Lehman, Hugo's attorney, says the actions are willful and malicious and warrant punitive damages.

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