Assault, harassment charges dismissed against singer John Rich over spat at nightclub

Charges dismissed against country singer John Rich

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Nashville judge has dismissed assault and harassment charges against country music singer John Rich.

Rich and other witnesses testified Friday before Judge John Aaron Holt that he did not punch aspiring singer Jared Ashley at a private nightclub in March 2008.

Ashley, a former contestant on the cable TV music show “Nashville Star,” claimed Rich later threatened him in a voice mail message.

Rich is a member of the duo Big & Rich and had a solo hit earlier this year, “Shuttin’ Detroit Down.”