Popular Christian music star responds to sexual abuse and drug use allegations
The ex-singer of a famous Christian rock band founded in Australia in the mid 1980s has shocked fans with his 'confession' after being accused of sexually assaulting men and cocaine and alcohol abuse.
Michael Tait, who suddenly left Nashville-based rockers Newsboys in January, was the subject of an investigation by Christian media outlet The Roys Report, which alleged the singer groomed and sexually assaulted three men between 2004 and 2014.
The Christian music superstar, who first rose to fame with Grammy-winning band DC Talk, responded with a social media statement saying the allegations he had groped young men after plying them with alcohol were 'largely true'.
'For some two decades I used and abused cocaine, consumed far too much alcohol, and, at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way,' he wrote in a lengthy statement titled 'My Confession'.
'I am ashamed of my life choices and actions, and make no excuses for them. I will simply call it what God calls it — sin.
'I don't blame anyone or anything but myself. While I might dispute certain details in the accusations against me, I do not dispute the substance of them.'
The 59-year-old singer joined Newsboys in 2009, replacing the original singer Peter Furler who formed the band on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in 1985 before relocating to Nashville when they signed with an American label.
Tait abruptly quit the group in January this year, revealing he underwent a six-week rehabilitation treatment in Utah.
There was wild speculation among fans as to his sudden departure from the popular group which tried to continue with their tour commitments with a new singer.
The Roys Report investigation, published on June 4 after interviews with more than 50 sources, detailed allegation from three men who the singer met on tour.
Two men accused Tait of fondling their genitals after drinking with him while another told the outlet he had not consented to inappropriate sexual touching after a skinny dipping session.
'I was not healthy, physically or spiritually, and was tired of leading a double life,' Tait wrote.
'I have been clean and sober since, though I still have lots of hard work ahead of me.'
Tait said he was 'truly sorry' for those he had hurt with his 'reckless and destructive behaviour' and sought forgiveness for his actions.
'I have hurt so many people in so many ways, and I will live with that shameful reality the rest of my life. I can only dream and pray for human forgiveness, because I certainly don't deserve it,' he wrote.
'I have even accepted the thought that God may be the only One who ultimately and completely forgives me,' Tait wrote. 'Still, I want to say I'm sorry to everyone I have hurt. I am truly sorry.'
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