John Rich has filed a defamation lawsuit against former Nashville Star contestant Jared Ashley, according to documents filed in Davidson Country Circuit Court in Nashville. Rich claims Ashley defamed him during an interview with a Florida radio station when he falsely stated that Rich hit him in the face during an altercation at the Spot, Rich's private club in Nashville. Rich said Ashley entered the club without permission on March 13 and had to be removed by security after being asked to leave. Rich's lawsuit requests a jury trial and seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Ashley was a contestant during the fourth season of Nashville Star. Rich is a former judge of the NBC talent competition.