NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - John Rich, of Big and Rich, In Court On Assault Charges

John Rich, of Big and Rich, In Court On Assault Charges

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Country singer John Rich has a court date scheduled Friday for a hearing on assault and harassment charges filed by a former "Nashville Star" contestant.

Country Music Artist John Rich Faces Charges

Rich, who is half of the country duo Big and Rich, turned himself in to police in May.

The charges were filed by singer Jared Ashley who said Rich punched and threatened him on two separate incidents.

VIDEO of the John Rich and Jared Ashley Conflict

Rich said he decided to take the matter to court because Ashley demanded he pay nearly $3 million to drop the charges.