Christian rock band respond to former member's drug abuse, sexual assault allegations

USA Today

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Christian rock band respond to former member's drug abuse, sexual assault allegations
Nashville-based Christian rockers Newsboys are responding to troubling news regarding their 59-year-old former lead singer, Michael Tait.
In a post on the group's official Instagram account, the Australian-founded band responded to allegations of drug abuse and inappropriate sexual conduct against Tait while also distancing him from the band.
"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. While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications," the statement read.
"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."
The quartet noted that as husbands who are fathers of 14 children in total, they were "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 told the band he had 'been living a double-life'
In January 2025, Tait, who was the lead vocalist of the group for 15 years in their four decades of existence, offered the following in a statement: "Fifteen years ago, my life was forever changed when I received the invite to step into the role of lead singer for Newsboys. The years since have been some of the most fulfilling, faith-filled, and rewarding years of my life."
"I have been on an amazing journey all over the globe, performing and ministering to people of all ages, races, and backgrounds."
"The decision does not come lightly and has been a shock to even myself, but admist prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision," the statement continued.
In their June 5 statement, Tait's former bandmates, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis and Adam Agee, noted that when he left the band, he "confessed" to them and their management that he "had been living a double-life."
Through a nearly three-year-long investigation by The Roys Report, it was discovered that for two decades, Tait befriended three young men on Christian music tours in 2004, 2010, and 2014. The trio were all 22 at the time of their first interaction.
Allegations of Tait, then two decades older than his accusers, engaging in acts of sexual assault and grooming highlight the lengthy investigation.
Latest on Michael Tait
As of June 5, Tait has not officially responded to the allegations on his social media accounts or the statement from his former bandmates. As well, there have been no further comments from the group.
Upon their 2021 release of "Stand," their 20th studio album, the band spoke with The Nashville Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network.
It's noted that when Grammy-winner Tait, formerly of DC Talk, replaced Peter Furler as the group's new lead vocalist in 2009, the band no longer had any original members in its ranks.