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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- 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
2 hours ago
- 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
3 hours ago
- 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
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Christian Music Star Michael Tait Breaks Silence On Sexual Abuse Allegation
Wondering why Michael Tait is making headlines across the Christian music world? The former Newsboys frontman recently admitted to serious misconduct. A years-long investigation had revealed allegations of drug abuse and sexual assault. Michael Tait's 'confession' followed a detailed report involving multiple alleged victims. Here's what we know about the allegations and Michael Tait's 'confession.' On June 10, Michael Tait shared a post on Instagram titled 'My Confession.' He admitted to drug use and unwanted sexual advances on men. His statement followed the release of an investigative article by The Roys Report, which accused Tait of misconduct over a span of two decades. Tait wrote, 'Recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity are sadly, largely true.' In the post, Tait confessed, '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 said he made no excuses, adding, 'While I might dispute certain details in the accusations against me, I do not dispute the substance of them.' He also acknowledged, 'I was, for the most part, living two distinctly different lives.' Tait left Newsboys abruptly in January 2025. On June 4, The Roys Report revealed three men accused Tait of assault during tours in 2004, 2010, and 2014. Two said he fondled them after drinking. One alleged non-consensual touching after Tait invited him to share a bed. Newsboys responded in a June 5 statement, writing, 'We are horrified, heartbroken, and angry… we feel as if we and our families have been deceived for the last fifteen years.' K-LOVE and other Christian radio networks paused airplay for Newsboys and DC Talk music after the story broke. Tait wrote that he had entered a treatment facility in Utah earlier this year and had been sober since. 'I accept the consequences of my sin and am committed to continuing the hard work of repentance and healing,' he stated. He concluded by apologizing to those hurt by his actions. Originally reported by Vritti Johar on The post Christian Music Star Michael Tait Breaks Silence On Sexual Abuse Allegation appeared first on Mandatory.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former Newsboys Singer Michael Tait's Instagram ‘Confession' Explained
Wondering why Michael Tait is making headlines across the Christian music world? The former Newsboys frontman recently admitted to serious misconduct. A years-long investigation had revealed allegations of drug abuse and sexual assault. Michael Tait's 'confession' followed a detailed report involving multiple alleged victims. Here's what we know about the allegations and Michael Tait's 'confession.' On June 10, Michael Tait shared a post on Instagram titled 'My Confession.' He admitted to drug use and unwanted sexual advances on men. His statement followed the release of an investigative article by The Roys Report, which accused Tait of misconduct over a span of two decades. Tait wrote, 'Recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity are sadly, largely true.' In the post, Tait confessed, '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 said he made no excuses, adding, 'While I might dispute certain details in the accusations against me, I do not dispute the substance of them.' He also acknowledged, 'I was, for the most part, living two distinctly different lives.' Tait left Newsboys abruptly in January 2025. On June 4, The Roys Report revealed three men accused Tait of assault during tours in 2004, 2010, and 2014. Two said he fondled them after drinking. One alleged non-consensual touching after Tait invited him to share a bed. Newsboys responded in a June 5 statement, writing, 'We are horrified, heartbroken, and angry… we feel as if we and our families have been deceived for the last fifteen years.' K-LOVE and other Christian radio networks paused airplay for Newsboys and DC Talk music after the story broke. Tait wrote that he had entered a treatment facility in Utah earlier this year and had been sober since. 'I accept the consequences of my sin and am committed to continuing the hard work of repentance and healing,' he stated. He concluded by apologizing to those hurt by his actions. The post Former Newsboys Singer Michael Tait's Instagram 'Confession' Explained appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
