2 days ago
Christian singer Michael Tait admits to making 'unwanted sensual' advances towards men
Just days after a bombshell report claimed Christian singer Michael Tait had engaged in sexual assault, substance abuse and grooming for the past 20 years, he admitted the allegations were true.
Tait, 59, started his musical career as a founding member of the group DC Talk with Toby McKeehan and Kevin Max in the 1980s and 1990s, before becoming the lead singer of The Newsboys in 2009.
He announced in mid-January his departure from the group, which he cryptically said was a decision he, 'did not make likely and has been a shock to even myself.'
Last week, The Roys Report released a shocking report - the culmination of a two and a half year investigation - accusing him of sexual assault, grooming and substance abuse with alcohol and cocaine going back more than 20 years.
Tait had not addressed the allegations - nor had he even posted to his 139K followers on Instagram since his January announcement of leaving The Newsboys - until Tuesday.
He released a lengthy statement on Instagram Tuesday, entitled My Confession, where he all but confirmed the report.
'Recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity, are sadly, largely, true,' Tait began.
'For some two decades I used and abused cocaine, consumed far too much alcohol, and, at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way,' Tait added.
'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,' Tait said.
Tait added that he, 'might dispute certain details in the allegations against me, I do not dispute the substance of them.'
He admitted that his abrupt departure from The Newsboys in January was done so he could, 'get help,' adding he was not healthy, 'physically or spiritually,' adding he was, 'tired of living a double life.'
'I spent six weeks at a treatment center in Utah, receiving help that may have saved my life from ultimate destruction,' he said, adding he has been 'sober ever since,' though he acknowledged, 'I still have lots of hard work left ahead of me.'
'I'm ashamed to admit that for years I have lied and deceived my family, friends, fans and even misled my bandmates about aspects of my life,' he admitted.
'I was, for the most part, living two distinctly different lives. I was not the same person on stage Sunday night that I was at home on Monday,' Tait continued.
'I was violating everything I was raised to believe by my God-fearing Dad and Mom, about walking with Jesus and was grieving the very God I loved and sang about for most of my life,' the singer added.
'By his grace, I can say that for the past six months, I have lived a singular life - one of utter brokenness and total dependance on a loving and merciful God,' he said.
'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,' Tait said.
'I have even accepted the thought that God may be the only One who ultimately and completely forgives me. Still, I want to say I'm sorry to everyone I have hurt. I am truly sorry,' Tait admitted.
'It is my hope and prayer that all those I have hurt will receive healing, mercy and hope from the Merciful Healer and Hope-Giver,' Tate continued.
He added that even before the reports of his behavior become public, he had, 'started on a path to health, healing, and wholeness,' 'with the help of a 'small circle' of friends, family and health professionals who, 'saw my brokenness and surrounded me with love, grace, and prayer.'
'Sin is a terrible thing, taking us where we don't want to go, keeping us longer than we wanted to stay, and costing us more than we want to pay,' he said.
The singer added, 'I accept the consequences of my sin and am committed to continuing the hard work of repentance and healing-work I will do quietly and privately, away from the stage and the spotlight.'
'To the extent my sinful behavior has caused anyone to lose respect or faith or trust in me, I understand, deserve, and accept that,' Tait admitted.
'But it crushes me to think that someone would lose or choose not to pursue faith and trust in Jesus because I have been a horrible representative of Him-for He alone is ultimately the only hope for any of us,' he said.
He concluded the post with, 'King David's prayer of repentance in Psalm 51,' which he said has been his prayer this year, which reads, 'Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your loving kindness... blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and sin is always before me... Create me in a new heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.'
