Pharrell Williams has confirmed that he and his longtime collaborator Chad Hugo are no longer on speaking terms. This news emerges amidst a legal dispute that began earlier this year, when Hugo filed a lawsuit against Williams regarding the rights to the Neptunes name. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pharrell expressed his sentiments about the situation, stating, "I always wish him the absolute best." Despite their estrangement, he acknowledged that he still has affection for his former partner while confirming their lack of communication by simply stating, "No." He reiterated his gratitude for their shared experiences over the years.
The Neptunes, who formed in 1992, have significantly influenced the music landscape, contributing to numerous hits for various artists. Additionally, they created the band N.E.R.D. in 1994. However, the partnership's amicability has been strained due to Hugo’s legal action, which alleges that Williams sought sole control over the Neptunes trademark without consent. This action is seen as a possible violation of their long-standing agreement to share assets equally.
A representative for Williams previously indicated that he was surprised by the legal action, clarifying that the trademark filings aimed to protect their mutual interests and ensure that neither party could lose rights to the name without mutual consent.
Despite the ongoing legal situation, it has been reported that Hugo is still involved in Pharrell's upcoming LEGO biopic, "Piece By Piece," which is slated for release on October 11 in the U.S. and November 8 in the UK. This film delves into Pharrell’s life and career, including his collaborations with Hugo, Snoop Dogg, and Gwen Stefani. For more details about the biopic and the current lawsuit, further coverage is available on NME.