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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