NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 28, 2025)— Multi-platinum artist, songwriter, and citizen advocate John Rich delivers one of his most gripping works to date with the release of “The Righteous Hunter,” a riveting new single and short film that shines a piercing light on the epidemic of child trafficking and the moral duty of parents and others to protect the innocent. The Righteous Hunter | New Single
Rich was moved to write the song after seeing a speech by music mogul Sean Combs, in which Combs declared, “We control your souls. We control what your kids listen to.”
“When I heard that, I realized that Combs—and people like him—have no problem declaring to the world that they can do whatever they want with our kids,” said Rich. “He uses his music as a weapon of wickedness, so I wanted to write a song from the perspective of a parent—and their willingness to die to protect their children from degenerates who wish them harm and view them as nothing more than a commodity.”
To ensure the authenticity of the song’s ‘short’, Dr. Brook Parker-Bello—a survivor of child trafficking who has helped rescue more than 14,000 children over the past two decades—served as the film’s advisor. Her insight and experience guided the production to portray the painful reality of trafficking with accuracy and respect.
With a cast driven by conviction, the short film features Shawn Ryan, a decorated veteran and father, portraying the parent; Jeffrey Steele, Country Music Hall of Fame songwriter, as an undercover agent; and Mike “Cheeze” Brown, a legendary rock manager, as the central villain.
“Each of these men shed tears during the shoot,” Rich shared, “but they delivered powerful performances that drove the message home.”
Rich hopes “The Righteous Hunter” will shake viewers to their core and move them to action.
“Over 36 million reports of children being targeted by predators online are filed every year in America. Less than 1% of kids who are trafficked are ever returned to their parents,” Rich said. “To me, this is America’s greatest sin—and it causes the greatest sadness and anger from Jesus Christ. It’s time for moms and dads to wake up, protect their kids online, and do their jobs as defenders of the innocent.”
He also encourages viewers to support organizations like the Tim Tebow Foundation, Operation LightShine and Know2Protect which all fund anti-trafficking operations and rescues.
The video includes a re-enactment of a child “purchase” — a disturbing but vital scene that has rarely, if ever, been portrayed so directly.
“As difficult as it is to watch, I thought it was mandatory that we portray what it actually looks like when adults purchase children,” Rich explained. “Most Americans know it happens but turn a blind eye because it’s too disturbing to deal with. That’s exactly why it’s grown into such an epidemic. It’s time we take the fight to the predators instead of hoping they don’t come for our kids next. No child is truly safe while these pedophiles are allowed to operate.
Directed by David Abbott, the making of “The Righteous Hunter” was, in Rich’s words, “a gut-wrenching task.”
“We prayed before the shoot that this song and video would shake the American parent to their core,” he said. “If it moves even one person to stand up, speak out, and protect the next child—it will have done its job.” Driven by faith, fire, and purpose, we hope that song and video will stir many to action.
“The Righteous Hunter” follows Rich’s bold 2025 release, “The Devil and the TVA,” a song that made monumental strides in bringing attention to the struggles of Tennessee farmers and landowners. Together, these songs form a clear picture of an artist unafraid to use his platform to defend freedom, family, and faith.
ABOUT JOHN RICH
John Rich is a multi-platinum recording artist, award-winning songwriter, television personality, and entrepreneur best known as one half of the multi-platinum duo Big & Rich and for his solo work as a fearless voice for truth, faith, and the American spirit.
Throughout his career, Rich has penned numerous chart-topping hits, produced for artists across genres, and built iconic brands including Redneck Riviera—a lifestyle brand celebrating hard work and patriotism.
Beyond the stage, he’s known for his philanthropic efforts and outspoken advocacy for the American working class. Through his music, media presence, and charitable endeavors, John Rich continues to challenge the status quo and inspire audiences to take a stand for what’s right.