Music City TV had the following statement that John Rich's attorney released regarding his arrest and everything else that was going on. Oh, and John Rich is out on bail so he wasn't in police custody for too terrible long.
“This entire ridiculous situation is nothing more than an effort by singer, [and former Nashville Star contestant] Jared Ashley [pictured here], and music row attorney Chris Sevier, to try to obtain money from me. Mr. Sevier and Mr. Ashley have falsely accused me of misdemeanor crimes. I trust that the truth will come out through the process of our American justice system and that I will be completely exonerated at the end of the day.
“It’s unfortunately common in my line of work that there are a very small number of people who want to take advantage of another person’s success and try to get something for nothing. I truly did make every effort to work this out in connection with the defamation lawsuit I filed against Mr. Ashley.
“Yesterday, I decided that a civil settlement would be impossible due to the fact that Mr. Ashley and his attorney demanded that I pay Jared Ashley 2.9 million dollars, even though he is the one who has defamed me. He has now chosen to bring these false charges against me.
“Ultimately, and out of principle, I will not allow myself to be coerced into paying 2.9 million dollars to Mr. Ashley and his attorney Chris Sevier in exchange for dropping these frivolous misdemeanor charges. I intend to defend myself through the legal process to the fullest extent of the law.”
So there you go, just like everything else, it's all about the bottom dollar (allegedly of course).
You can check out all the arrest affidavits here. And here's John's mugshot.
The lawsuits for the fights were from fights instigated by John. He ddn't have to fight those guys. He doesn't even try to avoid it. It makes him feel like a real rockstar, but now he's seeing that there are consequences. I'm not a fan of Ashley's, but John is not the victim. He's responsible for all this happening to himself.
And I think he's just one of those men who can't be married. Or maybe he just married the wrong woman. Why is he so unstable if he is truly happy? A wife is supposed to make a man feel stronger and happier and satisfied with life. So why does John need to constantly be getting drunk? His alcoholism has gotten worse since the marriage. What is so wrong with his life when he should be happy? That's what I want to know. That is the cause of his instability - not other people picking on him. The lawsuits are the consequences.
Whatever is going on, he's not happy, he's obviously miserable or he wouldn't be lashing out so much. And his wife is watching him crash and burn. He needs someone better than that. I hope his parents step in before it's too late.
Posted by: lauren | June 05, 2009 at 08:36 AM
Well I for one am soo sad with JR, i don’t know what to think. I am a huge fan of his…now I know he can be a bit “proud”, and granted ever since his marriage he has been in more trouble than usual, but give the guy a break. He drinks yes, he’s under alot of stress because he has 3 lawsuits against him not to mention these latest ones accusing him of plagarizing the song “redneck woman”. And a new album, plus a tour, and all the other details that follow being in the public eye. I don’t applaud his behavior as of late, but if you worked your whole life trying to be something and do stuff you love and some guy shows up and besmirches your whole exsistence, wouldn’t you be pissed off?? If this fight had been about one trailer trash hick against another hick, there would not be a lawsuit. Jared Ashley has known John for “years”. John has tried to HELP Jared up until Jared got snippy. Jared also has had issues with John;s little brother Issac. Why would someone who had problems with JR and Ike, still go to JR’s PRIVATE bar, drink for free(moocher)and then insult the host. Jared is not all that innocent. His little stunts are getting him the recongnition he hasn’t had since Nashville Star and that is another story, JR got him on there..giving Jared a leg up against the others, but when the sponsors changed half way through Jared ended up losing. Well Jared’s blogs show another side. He knew he had help in the show by JR and yet he still lied to everyone. He taunted JR at Legends, showed up at a PRivate pub, and he’s supposed to be the “BETTER GUY” Give me a break!! JR may not be perfect, But Jared is not that Innocent. I’m on TEAM RICH. for better or worse. I love JR, and i pray that he bounces back from all of this. KEEP THE FAITH,BROTHER SOME OF US STILL BELIEVE IN YOU.
LOVE YOU
Posted by: Amaris | June 04, 2009 at 08:13 PM
He looks better than tim mcgraw without his hat in my opinion. It's just so different, not bad looking. And without the hat it's easier to picture him without the mustache. He'd be cute and look younger clean shaven.
Posted by: allie | May 30, 2009 at 07:55 PM
His mugshot really isn't that bad. Doesn't seem right to see him without his hat though lol
Posted by: A.M. | May 30, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Oh my goodness, he looks soooo gorgeous! i don't care what is said about him, I love John Rich. For everything he is...good and bad. I wouldn't have him any other way
Posted by: Amaris | May 29, 2009 at 07:20 PM
I've always wanted John to do well. I've always followed what he was doing and wished him the best.
Recently I've begun to cringe when reading of his lastest exploits. I hope John is not guilty of what is being charged against him. However, if he is, he should be held accountable. Period. No one should be above the consequences of their actions.
Most people that live in Nashville are aware of John's reputation for drinking. Also, his apparent ego precedes him. Is it possible John's drinking will be his downfall? Alcoholics often are unreasonable and paranoid...is that who he is? I don't know...but it sure looks like it from where I sit.
Posted by: Chris | May 29, 2009 at 09:59 AM