Rich defends self against Wright claims

"[John] said, 'You're not gay are you?' I said, 'No, John, I'm not.' He said, 'Good, thank God.' And that began a spiral for me," Wright said. "I had a meltdown shortly after that."

Rich told Access Hollywood that his comment was not meant to be hurtful.

"I would never pass judgment on any friend of mine. I feel awful that, at this time in Chely's life, my decade old comment - 'Good, thank God' - was taken the wrong way," he told Access in a statement. "I was clumsily trying to express my relief that even a country boy like me had a one-in-a-million chance of having a beer with a woman as talented and attractive as Chely," the statement continued. "For years after that conversation, Chely invited me to perform at charity events. In all that time, I wish she would have said something directly to me before the book's publicity tour, especially since some of the comments attributed to me in the book are not mine."

"But I am happy for her and only wish her the best in her personal and professional life," his statement continued.

Wright made the announcement in an interview with People Magazine.