Christian Rock Band Newsboys React to Former Lead Singer Michael Tait's Sexual Assault Allegations: 'Heartbroken and Angry'
Christian rock group Newsboys released a statement following allegations of sexual assault against former lead singer Michael Tait
An investigation by The Roys Report was made public a day prior that included claims against Tait of alleged sexual assaults that took place between 2004 and 2014
"While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications," the band saidChristian rockers Newsboys are speaking out after allegations of sexual assault were made against the group's former lead singer, Michael Tait.
On Thursday, June 5, the band shared a note on Instagram, one day after an investigation by The Roys Report was made public that included claims against Tait of alleged sexual assaults that took place between 2004 and 2014.
"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," read the statement, which was shared by the band's current lineup of Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips and Adam Agee.
"While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications," the group continued. "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."
They added, "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."
Before departing the band in January, Tait "confessed to us and our management" that he 'had been living a double-life," the band members then wrote, adding that they "never imagined that it could be this bad."
Tait, formerly of the group DC Talk, has not publicly responded to the sexual assault allegations. The musician did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Saturday, June 7.
The Roys Report — the Christian media outlet behind the two-and-a-half-year investigation — claimed it spoke with three men who say Tait befriended them on Christian music tours in 2004, 2010 and 2014 and sexually assaulted them.
Tait previously announced his departure from Newsboys on Jan. 16, writing on Instagram that it was a "monumental and heartfelt decision" that "has been a shock to even myself."
He joined Newsboys in 2009 following the exit of band co-founder and then-lead vocalist Peter Furler.
"But amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision," he continued in his departure announcement, later writing that he hoped listeners would "continue to support my brothers as they continue on in the Newsboys mission."
"My heart remains focused on spreading hope and love in everything I do. Thank you for walking this journey with me. I'm forever grateful," he concluded.
Tait is also largely known for his solo career, as well as his work in DC Talk alongside Kevin Max and TobyMac. The group won four Grammys between 1993 and 2001.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to .
Read the original article on People
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Christian rock band Newsboys respond to singer Michael Tait sexual assault allegations
The popular Christian rock band Newsboys has issued a statement after an investigation revealed allegations of sexual assault against lead singer Michael Tait. Tait, 59, mysteriously exited the band in January after 15 years. Earlier this week, an investigation by Christian media outlet The Roys Report shared claims by three men who said Tait befriended and sexually assaulted them on tours in 2004, 2010, and 2014. On Thursday, the band shared a note on Instagram, one day after the report was published, responding to the allegations. '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,' read the statement, which was shared by the band's current lineup of Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips and Adam Agee. 'While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications,' the group continued. '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.' They added, '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.' Before departing the band in January, Tait 'confessed to us and our management' that he 'had been living a double-life,' the band members wrote, adding that they 'never imagined that it could be this bad.' Representatives for Tait, formerly of the group DC Talk, did not immediately respond to The Independent's request for comment. Tait previously announced his departure from Newsboys on January 16, writing on Instagram that it was a 'monumental and heartfelt decision' that 'has been a shock to even myself.' 'But amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision,' he continued in his announcement. 'My heart remains focused on spreading hope and love in everything I do. Thank you for walking this journey with me. I'm forever grateful,' he concluded. He joined Newsboys in 2009, taking over from band co-founder and then-lead vocalist Peter Furler. Under Tait's stewardship, the band released Born Again (2010), the smash worship album God's Not Dead (2011), and follow-ups like Restart (2013) and Stand (2021), Away from music, Tait has been open about his conservative political views, first endorsing Ted Cruz for president in 2016 before supporting Donald Trump, opposing his impeachment in 2019 and performing at an Evangelicals for Trump concert in January 2020. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you are in the UK, Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at
Business Upturn
4 hours ago
- Business Upturn
From film sets to sports stadiums, Bollywood actors are changing the game
When it comes to ambition, Indian film stars are no strangers to reinvention. And now, a growing number of them are making headlines not for their roles in films, but for their strategic forays into the high-stakes world of professional sport. This isn't about a passing passion or publicity stunt — it's a savvy business decision that's reshaping how India consumes both entertainment and sport. Of course, it helps that today's sports presentation is slicker than ever before. Anchors, presenters, and commentators have evolved into celebrities in their own right. Nikita Anand, who first made her mark as Miss India Universe and an actor, has emerged as the most articulate and celebrated presenter in Indian sports broadcasting. She has been a part of major shows like the Indian Super League on Star Sports and Cup Tak on Star News. Her work consistently garners appreciation on Instagram, where fans praise not just her fluency but also the emotional intelligence she brings to her presentation. 'Presenting sport isn't just about stats and scores,' she says. 'It's about capturing the moment, connecting with the energy, and giving the audience something real to hold on to.' Which is exactly what India's actors-turned-sports-investors are doing. Whether it's a stadium full of fans or a streaming audience at home, they're building experiences. They're building brands. And more than anything, they're betting on the future of Indian sport. This shift has taken centre stage over the past decade. It began, unmistakably, with the Indian Premier League. Cricket has always been more than just a game in India — it's religion, celebration, and business rolled into one. When Shah Rukh Khan picked up ownership of the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008, alongside Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, it wasn't just a glitzy endorsement. It was a business masterstroke. 'Sport is no longer operating in a silo. It's entertainment, it's performance, and it's powerful storytelling. Those familiar with cinema instinctively understand these elements — which is why the connection with sport comes so naturally,' says Nikita. Take Preity Zinta, who made headlines as the co-owner of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). Or Shilpa Shetty, whose involvement with Rajasthan Royals gave the team an extra sheen of stardust in the early IPL seasons. Their investment was financial, sure, but equally emotional and promotional — the fans followed, and so did the sponsors. But cricket is only one chapter. The new story is being written in football, kabaddi, and beyond. Abhishek Bachchan jumped into the action with Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League. John Abraham made his move with NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League, showing a genuine commitment to building football in a region rich in sporting potential. Ranbir Kapoor took co-ownership of Mumbai City FC, which has gone on to make impressive strides on the pitch and off it. 'There's real involvement here — participating in team decisions, engaging with strategy, meeting fans, and promoting sports at the grassroots. It's star power and substance,' Nikita explains. What's emerging is a pattern. Indian actors are no longer waiting for scripts — they're writing their own, and sport is proving to be an exciting new plotline. The shift is being driven by more than just passion. Sport is one of India's fastest-growing industries. With a young population, increasing urbanisation, and rising media consumption, the commercial upside is vast. Ticket sales, merchandise, broadcasting rights, streaming content — it's a complete entertainment ecosystem. 'Understanding audience psychology plays a huge role — knowing how to build loyalty, how to sell a moment, and how to turn emotion into energy. That's what great sport is all about too. The synergy is undeniable,' adds Nikita. From cricket fields to kabaddi courts, from football turf to business boardrooms, these stars are stepping into new arenas. Not to perform, but to participate — to shape what comes next. As Nikita Anand puts it, 'The stage has changed, but the showmanship, the intent and drive remain.' And now, it's game on.
New York Post
5 hours ago
- New York Post
Jennifer Garner reveals her secrets to being 53, flirty, and thriving in candid interview
Jennifer Garner feels she's 53 going on… 53. The actress got candid on self-love and why at this stage in her life, she's not looking to be any younger. When asked by Harper's Bazzar in an interview published on Friday, what age she feels like in her head, Garner quipped: 'I don't know!' Advertisement 7 Jennifer Garner. 'Part of me is, like, really 53 because I've really earned every minute of every day of every year. I don't want to be younger,' she confessed. 'I'm very grateful to be exactly this age. I'm trying to soak it up. I feel like I'm living in my power. I'm living in my wisdom. I'm living in my joy and my capacity to do and get things done. So I'm just very aware of my luck and the grace that's been shown to me.' Garner, who is mom to kids Violet, 19, Seraphina Rose, 16, and Samuel, 13, with ex-husband Ben Affleck, added that as she's gotten older, there are more aspects of her physical appearance that she loves. Advertisement 'Part of the gift of being my mother's daughter is that I haven't spent a lot of time stressing about my physical appearance,' the '13 Going on 30' alum admitted. 'I don't spend a lot of time in the mirror. Sometimes I could spend more time in the mirror; I'm sure I've had things in my teeth or a bump in my hair.' 7 Jennifer Garner smiles in nature. Instagram/@ 'So there are pluses and minuses to it. If you look through, like, the last 20-plus years of paparazzi pictures of me, you would see images and say, 'You would be best served by spending more time thinking about what you look like.'' As the years go by, Garner, who's been in front of the camera since landing a part on the drama 'Felicity' in 1998, has given herself grace. Advertisement 'But the flip side of that is that I'm not really that stressed about aging or things changing,' she stressed. 'I have my moments, of course, where I'll look in the monitor at work and be like, 'Who is that? Ah, that's me!' But I think less is more, as far as focusing on yourself too much in that way.' 7 Jennifer Garner poses in overalls. Instagram/@ 'What are you going to do?' Garner continued. 'I want to age. I want to live to be 100. I don't expect to look at 100 like I look today. I want to wear every single bit of those 100 years and feel great about them. But what do I like better about myself? Well, I don't know that I used to think about it at all, but I'm more friendly to myself in general.' As for what the 'Family Switch' star swears by, she says: sunscreen. Advertisement 'Sunscreen ages well,' said Garner. 'My dermatologist friend Doris Day says nothing looks better in your 50s than sunscreen in your 20s. And as someone who was not a sunbather in my 20s—I just didn't have that patience—I luckily did wear sunscreen. I can tell you, the products have only gotten better, every single iteration, every single year, and I'm grateful for them now that I'm in my 50s.' 7 Jennifer Garner in a flower field. Instagram/@ One thing Garner isn't diving into for the time being is cosmetic procedures. Instead, she's opting for good skincare – much like products from her longtime partnership with Neutrogena. 'Well, I don't judge whatever makes anyone look or feel their best,' she told the outlet. 'I haven't needed it yet, but I can't say that I haven't said to doctors before, 'Do I need to do this?' And I've had really nice doctors who have just been like, 'No.' So, God only knows 10 years from now what the conversation will be. I'm not there yet.' Garner added, 'But as far as injectables go, I think just find somebody fantastic and proceed with caution. I don't do a ton, and Botox doesn't work very well for me; that's why I wear bangs a lot. I like to be able to move my forehead, and it's such a big part of my face. I have, like, a five-head.' 7 Jennifer Garner swimming in a pool. Instagram/jennifergarner These days, what keeps the 'Alias' vet feeling good in her skin is 'working out with people who are younger and more fit than I am.' And the best part of aging is simple for Garner. As she put it, 'Growing older is the best! It's like you're more confident and you worry less. I had no idea how much I was going to love having teenagers. They're just so smart and funny. They make me laugh, and they're so sweet. ' Advertisement Although sometimes, there are those every day teenage tifs. Last month, in an academic research paper that Violet wrote for Yale University's Global Health Review, the college student detailed some opposing views she has with Garner. 7 Jennifer Garner picks apples. Instagram/@ The mother-daughter duo had different reactions to the Pacific Palisades fires, with Garner being stunned and Violet feeling that due to climate change, it was inevitable. Advertisement 'I spent the January fires in Los Angeles arguing with my mother in a hotel room,' Violet penned. According to the essay, Garner 'was shell-shocked, astonished at the scale of destruction in the neighborhood where she raised myself and my siblings.' 'I was surprised at her surprise: as a lifelong Angelena and climate-literate member of generation Z, my question had not been whether the Palisades would burn but when,' Violet wrote. 7 Jennifer Garner. Instagram/@ Advertisement During the wildfires, Garner volunteered with the World Central Kitchen and revealed that a friend who she knew through church died in the blaze. 'I feel almost guilty walking through my house,' she said at the time.
