John Rich Fires Back at Wright

Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.

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Neal Broverman

May 06 2010 1:45 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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Country star John Rich says that fellow singer Chely Wright, who came out this week, took seemingly antigay comments he made out of context.

In her new memoir, Like Me, Wright claims that 10 years ago Rich asked her if she was gay and when she said no, he responded by saying, "Thank God." That exchange began a downward spiral for Wright, according to her memoir.

Rich claims he asked about her sexual orientation because he was attracted to Wright and hoped he had a chance with her. "I would never pass judgment on any friend of mine. I feel awful that, at this time in Chely's life, my decade-old comment was taken the wrong way." Rich says he's not holding any grudges: "I only wish her the best in her personal and professional life."

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