Inside the war between Nashville Star contestant and judge John Rich ending in arrest!
Former Nashville Star contestant Jared Ashley slapped assault charges on John Rich because the Big & Rich singer has been on a bizarre, years-long vendetta to wreck Jared’s career, says an insider.
"Rich has been bad-mouthing Jared for years – telling record label people that he’s a no-talent and they shouldn’t get involved with him," said the source.
Jared was a 2006 contestant on the now-canceled TV competition. Rich was a guest judge on the show – and for some reason took a dislike to Jared.
"John was pretty uncomplimentary of Jared on TV," disclosed the source. "Jared got voted off, and behind the scenes, he told Rich he can take getting voted off, but he didn’t have to bad-mouth him so much."
The feud turned violent, according to the source.
In June 2008, Jared was performing at Legends Corner in Nashville when Rich walked in.
"When Jared finished a song, Rich began to make sarcastic remarks. Jared tried to defuse the situation by introducing him to the audience.
"Rich then jumped up on stage, put his arm around Jared’s neck and bent his head into his armpits – squeezing harder and making nasty comments.
"Jared yelled, ‘Hey, man, let go!’"
Security guards got Rich off the stage, but he kept yelling, interrupting Jared’s next number.
This March, Jared went to The Spot, Rich’s club in Nashville, to "bury the hatchet," said the source.
But Rich buried the hatchet in him!
For the full story and the truth behind the assault charges – pick up the latest ENQUIRER!
