Music producer Chad Hugo has expanded his legal fight with longtime collaborator Pharrell Williams, adding new claims tied to production credits and royalties.
According to Forbes, the amended filing builds on a lawsuit Hugo first brought in January 2026, where he alleged that Williams owes him about $1 million in unpaid compensation connected to songs the pair produced as part of the legendary duo The Neptunes. Hugo now argues that several tracks produced by Williams in 2022 were released without properly crediting him for his contributions. The songs named in the updated filing include Rosalía’s “Motomami” and “La Combi Versace” from her 2022 album “Motomami,” along with Latto’s track “Real One.”
The dispute centers on Hugo’s role in the production process. In the complaint, Hugo states that he was “principal composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and producer responsible for programming, instrumentation, and overall sound design, while Defendant Williams more frequently appeared as the public-facing member of the duo.”
However, the amendment could face legal hurdles. Because the songs referenced were released in 2022, a federal court may determine the claims fall outside the three-year statute of limitations under the U.S. Copyright Act. If that happens, the copyright argument could be dismissed.
U.S. District Judge Andre Birotte is also reviewing whether the lawsuit should remain in federal court. Hugo’s original claims involve breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty, which are typically handled at the state level.
Hugo’s attorney, Brent J. Lehman, accused Williams of misconduct in the filing.
“Williams engaged in self-dealing, concealed material information, and … diverted revenues owed to plaintiff,” Lehman said. “Such willful, fraudulent, and malicious conduct warrants the imposition of punitive damages.”
The legal battle marks a sharp turn for Hugo and Williams, whose partnership as The Neptunes helped define a generation of hip-hop and pop production.
