Christian rock band ‘shattered' over former member's sexual assault accusations
Christian rockers Newsboys have reacted to years-long sexual assault, drug abuse and grooming allegations against the band's former lead singer, Michael Tait.
"Last night our hearts were shattered when we read the news alleging drug abuse and inappropriate sexual actions by our former lead singer, Michael Tait," the group wrote in an Instagram post Thursday, June 5.
'While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications,' Newsboys wrote. 'We are horrified, heartbroken, and angry at this report and in many ways, we feel as if we and our families have been deceived for the last fifteen years.'
Tait, 59, is accused of grooming and sexually assaulting numerous victims dating back more than two decades, according to lengthy investigation by The Roys Report.
At least three men claim Tait befriended them separately while he was on tour in 2004, 2010 and 2014. All men were 22 years old at the time.
Two men told TRR they woke up to the singer touching their private parts after falling asleep from drinking alcohol. One man claimed Tait also offered him cocaine on the Newsboys tour bus.
The third man said Tait gave him a back massage while skinny dipping and later invited him sleep in his bed. It was there that Tait 'non-consensually massaged his anal region,'the victim told TRR.
'First and foremost, our hearts are with the victims who have bravely shared their stories. If you are a victim, we urge you to come forward. We absolutely do not condone any form of sexual assault,' Newsboys wrote in the band's statement. 'The four of us are husbands and fathers. Between the four of us, we have fourteen children. Our wives and children have made many sacrifices while we have dedicated our lives to playing music together that glorifies God.'
The band added that Tait admitted to 'living a double-life' when he left Newsboys in January. However, the group 'never imagined that it could be this bad.'
Tait has yet to publicly respond to the accusations.
Newsboys was founded in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia in 1985. The band has released 17 studio albums, six of which have been certified platinum by the RIAA. Newsboys' most successful singles include 'God's Not Dead (Like a Lion),' 'We Believe' and 'He Reigns.' Newsboys also has received four Grammy Award nominations.
None of the original members are still part of Newsboys. As of 2025, the band consisted of singer Adam Agee, electric guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips.
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