I don't believe Jon's story. 2013 at the BBC show there was a lot of tension between him and Richie. Nothing makes sense that he assumed that Richie wasn't coming only because the manager was calling him and Richie was in perfect form in 2013 so there is no evidence of a drug problem.

Also that they didn't speak after. Jon is a professional that would have made sure that Richie doesn't say anything bad about the band.
I am sure Riche could tell stories about Bon Jovi that would have much interest and he could have used that to promote an album or something. There is no way that Jon lives with that risk.
Also in 2014 Richie played with Hugh and Jon said nobody had ever seen him.

We will never know the real story but what Jon says makes no sense.