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John Rich Sues 'Nashville Star' Contestant

John Rich has filed a lawsuit against former 'Nashville Star' contestant Jared Ashley, claiming defamation. Rich says the aspiring country singer falsely claimed during a radio interview that Rich hit him in the face. The country mogul says what really happened was that Ashley was in The Spot, Rich's private Nashville club, without permission and had to be removed by security.

The feud between Rich and Ashley has been brewing for years in Nashville. Rich once accused Ashley of breaking into his Nashville home -- a claim Ashley vehemently denies. And just one day after the incident at The Spot, Ashley posted a YouTube video of his performance at a downtown Nashville honkeytonk, during which Rich gets up on stage and interrupts Ashley. The two exchange what appears to be heated words before Rich is escorted out of the bar.

Ashley continues to insist he was punched by Rich at The Spot. The lawsuit against him seeks unspecified damages. Read a full account of the mutual mud-slinging here.

2009 ACM Awards Winners and Performers

    Carrie Underwood performs "I Told You So" at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

    Mark J. Terrill, AP

    Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images for ACM

    Musician Keith Urban performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    Singer Miley Cyrus performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    George Strait performs at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

    Mark J. Terrill, AP

    Toby Keith performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    Musician/singer Taylor Swift performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    Kenny Chesney performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    Singer Carrie Underwood performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images for ACM

    Jamey Johnson performs "In Color" at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

    Mark J. Terrill, AP

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odessaevans

john rich thinks he is a gangster,he makes country music look bad,he needs to go back where he came from

April 16 2009 at 8:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Blondie

John Rich is a dimwit and a jerk. He does write good songs though.

April 13 2009 at 4:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jkfromcincty

Oh, isn't Mr Rich the writer and performer of that sophisticated, intricate redneck song, "Shuttin" Down Detroit", the white signature song for "The Back to Africa (or wherever, the hell you people came from) Movement"? He is truly a great American heroine.

April 12 2009 at 5:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joseph

I heard that John Rich came through Jacksonville Florida a few years ago. Story is that he went to a local club called "The Metro". Turns out it is a gay bar. After finding out Rick decided to stay. From what I understand he was found in the back of the club receiving oral sex from a cross-dresser. Later that night a friend of his asked if Rich knew he was a man, he(the cross-dresser) said yes. He stated that Rich was in the closet and that after coming into the club he hunted down the most feminine looked he/she so that if he were caught that people would think that it really was a woman, and if they didn't he could act surprised and say it wasn't his fault.

April 12 2009 at 3:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hello

John must be hurting for publicity. Last week, it was President Obama. Now, he allegedly hits Ashley. What's next? An affair with Leanne Rimes?

April 12 2009 at 2:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to hello's comment
jkfromcincty

Exactly. In addition to being a no-talent singer/songwriter, Rich belongs in the chorus line of hysterical male Republicans. Go girls.

April 12 2009 at 6:06 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
oldbluechair

John Rich will never be a wannabe country music legend because he's already one in the biz. If you knew this then you would know that Mr. Rich has been writing songs for many years, well before he took the stage singing his songs. Just ask Faith Hill, Gretchen Wilson, Jason Aldean or any one with any knowledge of CM.
Big Deal, there is another law suit filed against someone famous it isn't the last time and it sure won't be the the last one.

April 12 2009 at 2:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Denair

who reallycares just another way to stay in the spotlight

April 12 2009 at 1:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bosco

lseverance & the rest of you...jealousy and stupidity are best worn in a dark room, alone and with your mouths taped shut.

April 12 2009 at 1:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rockiemthigh4

My thoughts about Rich are this... he's arrogant, was rude on Am. Idol.. I wouldn't trust a thing he says.. nor would I buy any of his music. Sorry if this sounds rude, but ....

April 12 2009 at 12:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
james carter

GO GET EM JOHN NOW A DAYS THAT WHAT THE PILL POPPERS NEED A GOOD OLD FASHIONED ASS BEATING

April 11 2009 at 11:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply