PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 26: Pharrell Williams attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 26, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by JB Lacroix/GC Images)

Pharrell Williams is hitting back at claims of financial impropriety from his former Neptunes partner, Chad Hugo.

According to a statement obtained by Billboard, representatives for the famed producer noted that “a standard accounting review is already in progress.” The lawsuit filed by Hugo was referred to as “premature,” and reps for Williams claim there might not even be a dispute. The statement continues, “If the accounting review determines that money is owed, the appropriate party will pay it. Pharrell has consistently acted in good faith.”

The statement also noted that Pharrell has a “great respect” for Hugo and “looks forward to resolving this in a way that honors their shared history.” As of this report, Hugo has not responded to Williams’ statement.
INGLEWOOD, CA – MARCH 24: (L-R) Shay Haley, Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo perform onstage at Nickelodeon’s 2018 Kids’ Choice Awards at The Forum on March 24, 2018 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Pharrell Williams Accused of ‘withholding’ neptunes money

In a federal California courtroom on Friday (Jan. 23), per court documents obtained by Complex, Hugo claims Williams is guilty of withholding money and mishandling their company’s account records.

The pair, who’ve created dozens of hits together as both members of N.E.R.D and the production group, The Neptunes, founded their company N.E.R.D. Music, LLC, back in 2014. According to the terms of their company, Williams receives 50% company’s funds, which come from “touring and other income,” whereas Hugo and the third N.E.R.D. member, Sheldon “Shay” Haley, each receive 25%. All “merchandising and trademark income” is equally distributed among the three members.

Hugo, who refers to his role in their partnership as the “principal composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and producer responsible for programming, instrumentation, and overall sound design,” claims Williams is required to provide documentation about “income, expenses, royalties, and other financial issues,” but has failed to do so.