Former DC Talk and Newsboys singer Michael Tait has been accused of sexually assaulting and grooming multiple victims going back as far as 2004.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
In the investigation from The Roys Report, the outlet noted “Tait’s predatory pattern with stories dating back more than two decades.”
The findings included the stories of three different men who allege they became friends with Tait at different times while he was on tour in 2004, 2010 and 2014. All of these interactions had similar descriptions of grooming, alcohol and drug use during their time with Tait.
One of the accusers, who has decided to remain anonymous and go by the name “Steven,” told The Roys Report that he was a fan of DC Talk’s “Jesus Freak.” He was a musician touring with the Chris Sligh band when he met Tait after Newsboys gave the band an opportunity to open for them. Another young musician who is going by the alias “Philip” also noted that he first encountered Tait through touring. Both individuals are alleging that the sexual encounters with Tait were non-consensual. A third person going by the alias “Taylor,” who was a crew member of the Newsboys, says he was also non-consensually assaulted on the tour bus after Tait allegedly offered him drugs.
As The Roys Report noted, speculation has surrounded Tait, calling it “Nashville’s worst-kept secret.”
These findings have come out just months after Tait departed from the Newsboys unexpectedly.
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
“Fifteen years ago, my life was forever changed when I received the invite to step into the role of lead singer for Newsboys,” Tait wrote on social media. “While this may come 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 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.”
The Newsboys released a statement on the accusations made against Tait, stating that their hearts were “shattered.”
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.
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 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 last fifteen years.
When he left the band in January, Michael confessed to us and our management that he “had been living a double-life” but we never imagined that it could be this bad.
Jeff, Jody, Duncan, and Adam
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
