John Rich assault charges dropped

A Nashville judge has dropped charges of harassment and assault against John Rich.

The country singer, who is part of duo Big & Rich, was charged with punching Nashville Star contestant Jared Ashley in May. Ashley also claimed that Rich had threatened him in a voicemail message.

However, Rich has always said that he is innocent and rejected an earlier settlement offer.

Reuters reports that Rich and other witnesses testified in court on Friday that the musician did not hit Ashley at a nightclub in 2008.

Judge John Aaron Holt eventually decided to drop the charges.