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USA Today
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Newsboys dropped by label after Michael Tait's 'confession' to sexual assault allegations
Members of the Christian rock band Newsboys say they were dropped from their record label after ex-member Michael Tait admitted to wrongdoing when sexual assault allegations surfaced. Adam Agee and his bandmates wanted to clear the air before they performed their set at Elevate, a two-day Christian music festival in Arizona over the weekend, telling fans gathered at Highlands Church in the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale that they "encouraged" Tait to seek treatment after he had confessed to them in January that he had been living a double life and wanted help. Agee said in a video posted to social media that they thought and prayed long and hard about "what was next," but ultimately felt like they still had "a ministry and a mission to do," which is why they continued perform. "The last six months, we've played from New York to Florida to California to right here Arizona and we have seen the most amazing people and the most amazing crowds, and we've seen the spirit do things that have been, it's so encouraging, and we've just had the best time as a band with you guys on the road," Agee said. The band's "world was rocked" by Tait's confession, where he revealed that the accusations made against him by fans in a June 4 report from Christian media outlet The Roys Report were "sadly, largely true," Agee said. Additional sexual misconduct allegations against Tait surfaced a week after the Christian singer's public admission. "As a result of all this and the things that have come out that he's confessed to, we've been dropped from our record label, we've had the radio stations pull our music and we've been cancelled by promoters and venues all over the world but not tonight," Agee said. Capitol Christian Music Group, the band's label, and Newsboys' management did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment June 25. Michael Tait's confession 'devastating' for Newsboys members Newsboys members denied any direct knowledge of the unwanted sexual advances Tait has been accused of, telling fans that the 59-year-old had only mentioned a "few things" about substance abuse and some personal struggles he was experiencing at home. "And so, it was so shocking to us because it's not the guy that we knew, the guy that we knew, that, we've been on the road with," Agee said. "He was our family, he was our brother, and he was a friend to our families, to our kids." The news has not only been "devastating" for them, but their families who have felt that "their names have been dragged through the mud" because of the situation. Who is Michael Tait? What has he been accused of? Tait was the former lead singer of Australian-formed Christian rock band Newsboys. The four-time Grammy-award winning vocalist replaced original member Peter Furler as the group's new lead vocalist in 2009. Tait officially left the group in January 2025 after 15 years. Before he performed with Newsboys, Tait was a founding member of DC Talks, a Christian rap and rock trio that released five major studio albums together. Five months after Tait abruptly left the band, The Roys Report published a years-long investigation into Tait's past, specifically allegations of unwanted sexual advances made by three male fans, who met the former frontman while on tour. Three men, who were all 22 at the time of their encounters, told the outlet that Tait befriended them and were either intoxicated or drugged when the vocalist initiated and performed non-consensual sexual acts on them. Tait made friends with the men, one crew member and two musicians, while on tour in 2004, 2010 and 2014, according to The Roys Report. Additional individuals, including one woman and four men, have come forward to share their stories about Tait, who they allege engaged in predatory behavior, or bared witness to it without intervening. The woman who spoke with Roys Report specifically claimed that Tait drugged her and watched her be sexually assaulted by a Newsboys crew member, while the four men who spoke to The Guardian said that Tait had either attempted, or had engaged in unwanted touching, sexual advances or both. The new set of allegations, published in The Guardian on June 13 and in The Roys Report on June 19 came a week after Newsboys and Tait himself addressed the contents included in the first report on social media. Read Michael Tait's full statement Contributing: Melonee Hurt and Liam Adams, The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michael Tait, Christian Singer, Admits to "Unwanted" Touching of Men
Originally appeared on E! Online Michael Tait is taking accountability. After he was accused of sexual assault and drug abuse by multiple people, the Newsboys singer spoke out on the allegations, which the accusers said took place between 2004 and 2014. "Recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity are sadly, largely true," Tait wrote in a statement shared to his Instagram June 10. "For some two decades I used and abused cocaine, consumed far too much alcohol, and, at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way." The four-time Grammy winner went on to say that he's taking full responsibility for the incidents described in the reports, which were first published by Christian media outlet The Roys Report on June 4. "I am ashamed of my life choices and actions, and make no excuses for them," Tait continued. "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." More from E! Online Why Robin Roberts and Wife Amber Laign Believe Having Separate Apartments Is the Secret to Marriage Beyoncé Celebrates Sir and Rumi Carter's 8th Birthday Onstage During Cowboy Carter Show The Bachelor's Grant Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa Break Up 3 Months After Finale Engagement And the 59-year-old also noted that he's taken steps to correct his behavior. For one, he stepped away from Newsboys in January, leaving behind remaining members Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Adam Agee. "I did so to get help," Tait said of quitting the Christian rock group. "I was not healthy, physically or spiritually, and was tired of leading a double life. I spent six weeks at a treatment center in Utah, receiving help that may have saved my life from ultimate destruction." And while the former DC Talk frontman said he's been "clean and sober since," he admitted that he still has "lots of hard work" ahead of him, and he said he'll forever live with the shame of "living two distinctly different lives." As Tait put it, "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." "I have even accepted the thought that God may be the only One who ultimately and completely forgives me," he continued. "Still, I want to say I'm sorry to everyone I have hurt. I am truly sorry." Less than a week before Tait's confession, The Roys Report published a report accusing Tait of sexual assault and drug abuse that was sourced by over 50 people, three of whom were men who said they experienced his nonconsensual sexual advances when they were in their early 20s. Since the report's release, Tait's Newsboy bandmates have also spoken out on 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,' the band wrote on Instagram June 5. '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." They added, "We absolutely do not condone any form of sexual assault.' For free, confidential help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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." 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 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. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Newsboys address sex assault allegations against member Michael Tait
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Sadly, largely true': Ex-Newsboys singer speaks on sexual assault allegations
Michael Tait, former lead singer of Christian rock band Newsboys, has admitted to wrongdoing after allegations of sexual assault surfaced. Tait, 59, took to social media on June 10 to share his side of the story, telling fans in a statement titled "My Confession" that a recent report detailing his drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity are "sadly, 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. I am ashamed of my life choices and actions, and make no excuses for them," he wrote. "I will simply call it what God calls it-sin." Tait's admission comes nearly a week after his bandmates released their own statement addressing the allegations highlighted in a years-long investigation by Christian media outlet The Roys Report. Three men, who were all 22 at the time of their encounters, told the outlet that Tait befriended them and later engaged in non-consensual sexual acts with them. Tait made friends with the men while on tour in 2004, 2010 and 2014, according to The Roys Report. "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 Nashville-based band shared in a June 5 statement. "While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications." The statement continued: "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." Tait was the former lead singer of Australian-formed Christian rock band Newsboys. The four-time Grammy-award winning vocalist replaced original member Peter Furler as the group's new lead vocalist in 2009. Tait officially left the group in January 2025 after 15 years. Before he performed with Newsboys, Tait was a founding member of DC Talks, a Christian rap and rock trio, that released five major studio albums together. Tait's bandmates were "horrified, heartbroken, and angry" to learn of the accusations made in the report, writing in the statement that they felt as though they and their families were "deceived for the last fifteen years." "The four of us are husbands and fathers. Between the four of us, we have fourteen children," the band said in the statement. "Our wives and children have made many sacrifices while we have dedicated our lives to playing music together that glorifies God." In the statement, Newsboys members also revealed that Tait confessed to them and management that he had "been living a double-life" when he abruptly left the band in January. Tait, who said he does not blame anyone or anything besides himself, said he left Newsboys earlier this year "to get help." "I was not healthy, physically or spiritually, and tired of leading a double life," Tait wrote. "I spent six weeks at a treatment center in Utah, receiving help that may have saved my life from ultimate destruction. I have been clean and sober since, though I still lots of hard work ahead of me." Contributing: Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ex-Newsboys' Michael Tait says allegations are 'largely true'
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Sadly, largely true': Ex-Newsboys singer speaks on sexual assault allegations
'Sadly, largely true': Ex-Newsboys singer speaks on sexual assault allegations Michael Tait, former lead singer of Christian rock band Newsboys, has admitted to wrongdoing after allegations of sexual assault surfaced. Tait, 59, took to social media on June 10 to share his side of the story, telling fans in a statement titled "My Confession" that a recent report detailing his drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity are "sadly, 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. I am ashamed of my life choices and actions, and make no excuses for them," he wrote. "I will simply call it what God calls it-sin." Tait's admission comes nearly a week after his bandmates released their own statement addressing the allegations highlighted in a years-long investigation by Christian media outlet The Roys Report. Three men, who were all 22 at the time of their encounters, told the outlet that Tait befriended them and later engaged in non-consensual sexual acts with them. Tait made friends with the men while on tour in 2004, 2010 and 2014, according to The Roys Report. "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 Nashville-based band shared in a June 5 statement. "While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications." The statement continued: "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." Who is Michael Tait? Tait was the former lead singer of Australian-formed Christian rock band Newsboys. The four-time Grammy-award winning vocalist replaced original member Peter Furler as the group's new lead vocalist in 2009. Tait officially left the group in January 2025 after 15 years. Before he performed with Newsboys, Tait was a founding member of DC Talks, a Christian rap and rock trio, that released five major studio albums together. Newsboys 'horrified, heartbroken, and angry' by report Tait's bandmates were "horrified, heartbroken, and angry" to learn of the accusations made in the report, writing in the statement that they felt as though they and their families were "deceived for the last fifteen years." "The four of us are husbands and fathers. Between the four of us, we have fourteen children," the band said in the statement. "Our wives and children have made many sacrifices while we have dedicated our lives to playing music together that glorifies God." In the statement, Newsboys members also revealed that Tait confessed to them and management that he had "been living a double-life" when he abruptly left the band in January. Tait, who said he does not blame anyone or anything besides himself, said he left Newsboys earlier this year "to get help." "I was not healthy, physically or spiritually, and tired of leading a double life," Tait wrote. "I spent six weeks at a treatment center in Utah, receiving help that may have saved my life from ultimate destruction. I have been clean and sober since, though I still lots of hard work ahead of me." Read Michael Tait's full statement Contributing: Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network
