Former Lead Singer of Christian Rock Band Newsboys Confesses to Making ‘Unwanted Sensual’ Advances, Cocaine and Alcohol Abuse 

Christian rock band Newsboys’ lead singer Michael Tait is speaking out following allegations of sexual assault.

Tait, 59, 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.”

Then on Wednesday, June 4, The Roys Report published an investigation about sexual assault allegations against Tait. The alleged incidents took place between 2004 and 2014. The Christian media outlet facilitated a two-and-a-half-year investigation, and said it spoke with three men who allege Tait befriended them on Christian music tours in 2004, 2010 and 2014 and sexually assaulted them. Tait joined Newsboys in 2009 following the exit of band co-founder Peter Furler.

Tait has now addressed the allegations in an Instagram post titled “My Confession” on Tuesday, June 10, acknowledging that the reports of 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,” he wrote. 

“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,” he continued, adding that he “might dispute certain details in the accusations,” but he “[does] not dispute the substance of them.”

He acknowledged that his January departure from Newsboys was so he could “get help,” explaining, “I was not healthy, physically or spiritually, and was tired of leading a double life.” He added that he received six weeks of treatment in a Utah treatment center, “that may have saved my life from ultimate destruction.” 

“I have been clean and sober since, though I still have lots of hard work ahead of me,” he wrote. 

He continued by remarking that he was “for the most part, living two distinctly different lives.” Adding, “I was not the same person on stage Sunday night that I was at home on Monday.”

“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,” Tait wrote. “Still, I want to say I’m sorry to everyone I have hurt. I am truly sorry.”

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He said that he “started on a path to health, healing, and wholeness” before the news of his alleged transgressions became public, and thanked clinical health professionals, loving family, caring friends, and wise counselors, who “saw my brokenness and surrounded me with love, grace, and prayer.” 

Tait continued: “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,” he acknowledged. “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.”

Ahead of Tait’s confession, the current members of the Newsboys — Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee — released a statement on Thursday, June 5. 

The band shared a note on Instagram. “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.

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.”

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If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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 rainn.org.