Pharrell Williams has announced that he and his longtime collaborator Chad Hugo are no longer on speaking terms. This revelation comes amidst the backdrop of a legal dispute that unfolded 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," and confirmed that, despite their estrangement, he continues to hold affection for his former partner. When probed about their current communication status, Pharrell simply replied, "No." He reiterated his gratitude for their shared experiences over the years.
The Neptunes, formed in 1992, have been a significant part of the music landscape, contributing to the sound of numerous artists and popular tracks. Their partnership extended to the creation of N.E.R.D. in 1994. However, this amicable collaboration has taken a turn following Hugo’s legal action, which alleges that Williams sought sole control over the Neptunes trademark without his consent, possibly violating their long-standing agreement to share assets equally.
A representative for Williams previously stated that he was surprised by the legal action and clarified that the intention behind the trademark filings was to protect their shared interests, ensuring neither party could lose rights to the name without mutual agreement.
Despite the ongoing legal issues, Hugo is reportedly involved in Pharrell's forthcoming LEGO biopic, "Piece By Piece," which is set to release on October 11 in the U.S. and November 8 in the UK. The film explores Pharrell’s life and career, including his work with Hugo, Snoop Dogg, and Gwen Stefani.
For more details about the biopic and the ongoing lawsuit, you can read additional coverage on NME.