AceShowbiz - Pharrell Williams has confirmed that he and his longtime collaborator Chad Hugo are not currently on speaking terms. The pair, who formed The Neptunes in 1992 and N.E.R.D. in 1994, have been embroiled in a legal battle over the trademark rights to The Neptunes name.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Williams acknowledged that the lawsuit has strained their relationship. "I always wish him the absolute best," Williams said of Hugo. When asked directly if they were on speaking terms, he replied, "No."

Hugo filed the lawsuit in April 2023, alleging that Williams was "fraudulently" seeking sole control over the trademarks without consulting him. Hugo's attorneys claimed that Williams had disregarded an agreement between them to split ownership and royalties equally.

Despite their legal differences, Williams expressed gratitude for their past collaboration. "I love him, and I always wish him the absolute best, and I'm very grateful for our time together," he said.

The lawsuit has overshadowed the release of Williams' upcoming LEGO-animated biographical documentary, "Piece by Piece." Hugo appears in the film as a voice character, reflecting on their partnership. Williams praised the film's director for shaping the narrative, despite his initial reservations about including his private life.

The split between Williams and Hugo marks a significant shift in the music industry, where their creative force has been instrumental in crafting numerous hit songs for artists such as Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Nelly and Justin Timberlake. Their work has earned them numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards.

The lawsuit remains ongoing, with a representative for Williams expressing surprise and a willingness to share ownership of the trademark. The outcome of the legal battle will likely determine the future of The Neptunes brand and the relationship between Williams and Hugo.