John Rich Fires Back at Wright

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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