Overview
- Hugo filed the suit on Jan. 23 in California federal court, accusing Williams of withholding royalties tied to The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.
- The complaint estimates $325,000–$575,000 owed from N.E.R.D.’s 2017 album with potential damages of $750,000–$1 million.
- Hugo says required financial statements have not been provided since 2021 and alleges no payments since September 2023 from an N.E.R.D. merchandise partnership.
- His attorney accuses Williams of self-dealing and diversion of revenues and seeks punitive damages in addition to a comprehensive accounting.
- A representative for Williams says a standard accounting review is underway and labels the case premature, with a 2024 Neptunes trademark dispute still unresolved.