John Rich defends self against criminal charges
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John Rich defends self against criminal charges

Sunday, May 31, 2009 – John Rich defended himself Friday in an on-going legal dispute with a former Nashville Star contestant in which the two have sued each other.

Rich, who is one-half of Big & Rich and released a solo disc earlier this year, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of assault and one of harassment for alleged incidents involving former Nashville Star contestant Jared Ashley.

Rich denied all charges in an Associated Press report, saying, "I'm disappointed that something like this has to be in the press when so many things are going on in the world that are important. It's a waste of time, but unfortunately that's what's going on."

Rich turned himself into police on Thursday in relation to incidents that allegedly occurred in June 2008 and March of this year. He was released on $3,000 bond.

Ashley claimed the first assault occurred in June 2008 at a club where he performed. Court papers claimed Rich walked on stage near the close of the show, put his arm around Ashley's neck, verbally threatened him and "squeezed" and "jerked" his neck a few times.

In March, Ashley allegedly visited a private club owned by Rich, who argued with Ashley and punched him in the jaw. Rich also allegedly left Ashley a threatening phone message.

Rich filed a defamation suit against Ashley in April, saying Ashley defamed him by claiming on a radio show that Rich punched him in the face.

Rich claimed Friday that Ashley and his lawyer demanded $2.9 million to drop the charges, which Ashley's lawyer said was "completely false."


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CD reviews for John Rich

CD review - The Country Truth The title to John Rich's album can be read a few ways. The 'country truth' may refer to the album's traditional instrumentation. No question, this is a country music album. More likely, though, Rich's intention is to give us his thoughts about contemporary political and social truths – from a decidedly conservative perspective. Unless you run in conservative circles like Rich, some of his ideas may surprise you. Most artists – even the country ones – ...
CD review - Rich Rocks You have to question John Rich's motives when he opens a CD titled "Rich Rocks" with a track titled Country Done Come To Town. What is he: A rocker or a country boy? Well, it turns out, like most popular country stars these days, he's a little of both. (Oh, and he also thinks he's a little rap, too). Texas features Cowboy Troy, a longtime friend of Big & Rich. The song is not really rap, however, as it mostly speaks about how you take the boy out of Texas, but ...
CD review - For the Kids A better title for this six-song John Rich album is "For Parents of Kids" because these tracks aren't really directed at kid listeners. There are no tunes about animals or toys. Rich never sings in a silly voice. Heck, he doesn't even tell a corny joke. The most telling song on this collection is Thank God for Kids, once a big hit for The Oak Ridge Boys. The former is significant because all these songs express thankfulness for the little ones in our lives. ...


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