Christian rock band Newsboys has expressed shock and dismay following allegations of sexual assault against their former lead singer, Michael Tait. In a statement shared on Instagram, the band members conveyed their feelings of being “heartbroken and angry” upon learning about the accusations made against Tait. The allegations, which surfaced from an investigation by The Roys Report, claim that Tait was involved in incidents of sexual assault between 2004 and 2014, though Tait has not publicly addressed these claims.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Christian-rock-band-Newsboys-Michael-Tait-allegations-060725-01-8642335e1e404d0ea2f7a906212fe3d5.jpg)
The current line-up of the Newsboys, consisting of Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee, revealed their sense of betrayal and deception upon reading the news about Tait’s alleged actions. They emphasised their roles as husbands and fathers and the sacrifices their families have made in support of their music ministry over the years. The band expressed deep sorrow and anger over the situation, stating that they had no prior knowledge of the extent of Tait’s actions during his time with the group.
Prior to his departure from the band in January, Tait reportedly confessed his “double-life” to the band and their management, leaving them stunned by the revelations. Despite the severity of the allegations, Tait has not publicly responded to the claims of sexual assault. The Christian media outlet, The Roys Report, conducted an extensive investigation spanning two and a half years, speaking to individuals who allege that Tait sexually assaulted them during Christian music tours in the past.
Michael Tait’s departure from Newsboys in January marks the end of his tenure with the band, which began in 2009 following the departure of co-founder Peter Furler. In his Instagram announcement, Tait described the decision to leave as a significant and heartfelt choice, indicating that he received clarity through prayer and fasting. While he expressed gratitude for the support received throughout his musical journey, he did not elaborate on the reasons for his departure or address the allegations.
Apart from his time with Newsboys, Michael Tait is known for his solo career and his work with the group DC Talk, where he achieved success and garnered multiple Grammy awards. While he has not issued a public response to the sexual assault allegations, Tait’s reputation and career in the Christian music industry may face significant repercussions as a result of these serious accusations. Newsboys and their fans are left grappling with the aftermath of these revelations, seeking clarity and accountability in the midst of a challenging situation.
The allegations against Michael Tait underscore the importance of addressing issues of sexual assault and misconduct, even within the confines of the music industry. As the story unfolds, there is a growing need for transparency, support for survivors, and a commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all individuals involved in the industry. The repercussions of these allegations may have far-reaching implications for both Tait and the Christian rock music scene, prompting important conversations about accountability and integrity within the community.