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New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Christian rock band singer Michael Tait accused of sexual assault, drug abuse after he's ‘been living a double-life': report
The former lead singer of an award-winning Christian-rock band was allegedly 'living a double life' as he faces accusations of sexual assault, grooming and drug abuse dating as far two decades. Michael Tait, who served as the frontman for Newsboys for 16 years before leaving in January, allegedly abused alcohol and drugs before inappropriately touching several people, according to an investigative report from Christian media outlet, The Roys Report. Newsboys' current members, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Adam Agee, addressed the allegations against their former bandmate on Friday. Advertisement 5 Michael Tait performs with the Newsboys at the Desert Diamond Arena on March 16, 2024. Getty Images '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 band wrote on Instagram. '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.' Advertisement The band members described themselves as fathers and husbands who were left 'horrified, heartbroken and angered' over the allegations against Tait. Tait, 59, allegedly confessed that he had been 'living a double life' when he left the group, the band claimed. 'We never imagined that it could be this bad,' the band added. 5 The Newsboys appear on the red carpet for 'God's Not Dead: In God We Trust' premiere in Southlake, Texas on Sept. 4, 2024. Getty Images Advertisement 5 Michael Tait arrives at the 49th Annual Dove Awards in Nashville, Tenn. on Oct. 16, 2018. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Tait announced he was departing Newsboys on Jan. 16, a day after a TikToker Azariah Southworth made a viral post claiming the singer was gay. The post reached over 250,000 views before it was removed from the platform for 'violent extremism,' according to the outlet. Tait didn't address the viral TikTok in his decision to leave the band. Advertisement 'While this may come to as a surprise given I've been touring ever since college, I've made for me what is a monumental and heartfelt decision that it is time to stepown from Newsboys,' he wrote in an Instagram post on Jan. 16. 'This decision does not come lightly and has been a shock to even myself, but amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision.' 5 Former Newsboys members Michael Tait and Peter Furler perform at the Dove Awards on Oct. 16, 2018. Getty Images Tate joined Newsboys in 2009 after having been the lead singer for Christian rap trio DC Talk. Tait allegedly befriended multiple people while on tour, including three men in 2004, 2010 and 2014, respectively. Two of the men, who were all 22 years old when they met Tait, 59, claim they were offered alcohol and they woke up to the singer allegedly fondling them, the outlet added. The third man alleges Tait offered him cocaine on the Newsboys' tour bus, gave him a back massage in a hot tub, and was invited to his king-size bed where the vocalist began to touch him non-consensually, the outlet reported. 5 Michael Tait and Newsboys perform at Lipscomb University on Nov. 29, 2022. Getty Images Newsboys' were nominated for four Grammy Awards between 1992 and 2003. Advertisement They have been nominated for 30 Dove Awards, winning six times, and have won several other awards, including a Billboard Music Video Award and two Nashville Music Awards. The band appeared in the movie 'God's Not Dead' as themselves performing a concert attended by the main characters played by Shane Harper and Kevin Sorbo.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Newsboys Respond to Sexual Assault Allegations Against Ex-Singer Michael Tait: ‘We Are Horrified, Heartbroken & Angry'
Contemporary Christian Music group Newsboys responded to recent allegations of sexual assault and drug use against former lead singer Michael Tait, who abruptly stepped away from the group in January. On Wednesday, The Roys Report published what it referred to as a two-and-a-half-year investigation into allegations against Tait. The outlet claims it spoke with more than 50 sources, including three people who claim that Tait groomed and sexually assaulted them while touring or at Tait's home. The accusers allege that the incidents took place between 2004 and 2014. Multiple people in the report also claimed that Tait was involved in drug use. More from Billboard The Weeknd Wanders Through Purgatory in 'Baptized in Fear' Music Video Miley Cyrus Says Madonna 'Was Down' to Mud Wrestle in a '4x4' Music Video, But Her Label Said No Belinda's 'Indómita' Album & More Best New Music Latin In an Instagram post on Thursday, the group's four current members — Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips and Adam Agee — responded to the allegations, writing, '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 by even the implications. 'First and foremost, our hearts are with the victims who have bravely shared their stories,' the band's message continued. 'If you are a victim, we urge you to come forward. We absolutely do not condone any form of sexual assault. 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. 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 past fifteen years.' Tait has not released a public response to the allegations contained in the report, and Billboard has not yet successfully reached him or a representative. A Newsboys rep did not respond to comment beyond the band's statement. Tait stepped down from his role in Newsboys in January just days before the group launched the second leg of their Worldwide Revival Nights Tour. At the time, Tait issued a statement, saying, 'I have made for me what is a monumental and heartfelt decision that it is time to step down from Newsboys. This decision does not come lightly and has been a shock to even myself, but amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision.' He joined Newsboys as their lead singer in 2009 following the exit of Peter Furler. Tait is also known for his founding role in the groundbreaking CCM group DC Talk from 1988-2001. That group, which also included TobyMac and Kevin Max, had such hits as 'Jesus Freak,' 'What If I Stumble?' and the Billboard Hot 100 hit 'Between You and Me.' Their 1995 album Jesus Freak, with its pop and hip-hop fusions, reached No. 16 on the all-genre Billboard 200 and won a Grammy for best rock gospel album. In 2000, the band went on hiatus, and Tait launched a decadelong solo career before joining Newsboys. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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. Country singer fulfills young fan's unusual request: 'Well this was a first' Legendary band's signature hit gets music video starring famous actress R&B icon says brother made 'mockery' of his estranged son's cancer death Dead music legend's revealing documentary to hit theaters this summer 'I need a break': Country star taking time to 'figure out what's next' Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former Newsboys Singer Michael Tait's Sexual Assault Allegations Explained
Curious about what led to Michael Tait's sudden departure from Newsboys just before their 2025 tour? As the longtime Christian music figure stepped away from the spotlight, new reports have surfaced detailing serious allegations tied to his past. With former collaborators speaking out and an investigation underway, questions about Tait's legacy and future remain. Here's what we know about the accusations and the events that followed. Michael Tait, former lead singer of Christian rock band Newsboys and member of DC Talk, has been accused of sexual misconduct and drug use by multiple men, according to a June 2025 investigation by The Roys Report. The report, based on interviews with over 50 sources and spanning nearly three years, includes allegations from three men who claim Tait engaged in grooming and non-consensual contact between 2004 and 2014. The alleged victims, all 22 years old at the time of the incidents, described similar patterns. One said Tait gave him alcohol and later fondled him while he was incapacitated. Another recalled Tait massaging him during a skinny-dipping encounter, eventually touching his a*** region. A third claimed Tait offered him cocaine and later touched him without consent on a tour bus. Tait, now 59, rose to fame in the 1990s with DC Talk before joining Newsboys in 2009. He stepped down from the band in January 2025, citing prayer and fasting in a public statement: 'This decision does not come lightly and has been a shock to even myself.' Newsboys re-recorded their new single 'How Many Times' with Adam Agee, who replaced Tait. Agee said Tait told them he 'was going to focus on himself.' On June 5, Newsboys addressed the allegations in a social media statement: '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 confirmed Tait admitted to 'living a double-life' upon stepping down and urged any victims to come forward. Tait has not responded publicly to the accusations. The band's attorney declined to speculate further, stating, 'It would be inappropriate for Newsboys to speculate or comment.' The post Former Newsboys Singer Michael Tait's Sexual Assault Allegations Explained appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
