Pharrell Williams is no longer speaking to his Neptunes collaborator Chad Hugo.
The musicians had been friends since high school but in March, Hugo filed a trademark opposition at a federal tribunal, which has caused a rift between the pair, though the “Happy” hitmaker insisted he still wishes “the best” for his former pal.
“I always wish him the absolute best,” Pharrell told The Hollywood Reporter.
Asked if they are on speaking terms, he added. “No. But I love him, and I always wish him the absolute best, and I’m very grateful for our time together.”
Williams also confirmed to the outlet that Hugo had voiced his own character for his new LEGO-animated documentary “Piece by Piece.”
The rift began when Hugo’s legal team claimed Williams had “knowingly and intentionally” filed trademark applications for his band N.E.R.D., his Miami hotel Goodtime Hotel, and more without consulting Hugo, despite being “fully aware” that his partner should have been listed as a co-owner.
“Throughout their over 30-year history, [Hugo] and Williams agreed to, and in fact, have divided all assets,” Hugo’s lawyer wrote. “By ignoring and excluding [Hugo] from the any and all applications filed by applicant for the mark ‘The Neptunes,’ applicant has committed fraud in securing the trademarks and acted in bad faith.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Williams revealed he has rejected approaches to sell the rights to his back catalogue, insisting there is “no number” that would persuade him to do so.
“Selling is not for me,” Williams said. “There’s no number to sell your rights. Not for me. But to each his own. For some people, I guess, it makes sense. When they’re done, they’re done. But I love music and I love my work, and I love my ability to make music, so selling is not a thing.”
