The frontman of the esteemed Christian rock outfit Newsboys, Michael Tait, has come forward to address accusations of sexual misconduct that have recently surfaced. On January 16th, the 59-year-old Tait announced his departure from the band on Instagram, labeling it a "profound and deeply felt decision" that "came as a surprise even to me."
Then, on June 4th, The Roys Report released an investigative piece detailing allegations of sexual assault leveled against Tait, spanning from 2004 to 2014. This Christian media outlet, after conducting a meticulous two-and-a-half-year investigation, claimed to have interviewed three individuals who asserted that Tait had befriended them during Christian music tours in 2004, 2010, and 2014, only to sexually assault them. Tait had joined Newsboys in 2009, succeeding co-founder Peter Furler who had exited the band earlier.
On Tuesday, June 10th, Tait addressed these allegations in an Instagram post titled "My Confession," acknowledging that the accounts of substance abuse and sexual misconduct "are, unfortunately, largely accurate." He penned, "For nearly two decades, I indulged in cocaine and excessive alcohol consumption, and, at times, touched men in an unwarranted sensual manner."
"I am ashamed of the choices and actions I've made in life, and I offer no justifications for them. I will simply label them as what God sees them to be — sin. I accept full responsibility, blaming neither person nor circumstance," he continued, adding that while he "might contest certain specifics in the accusations," he "does not refute their core essence."
Tait acknowledged that his January exit from Newsboys was a step towards seeking help, elucidating, "I was in poor health, both physically and spiritually, and weary of maintaining a dual existence." He further revealed that he underwent a six-week treatment regimen at a Utah rehabilitation center, which "might have spared me from total ruin."
"Since then, I have embarked on a journey of sobriety and purity, though the road ahead remains steeped in challenges," he penned. He further elaborated, acknowledging that he had been "living a dual existence, two starkly contrasting lives intertwined." He confided, "The individual who graced the stage on Sunday night bore no resemblance to the one who resided at home on Monday."
"I have inflicted untold suffering upon countless souls through myriad avenues, a shameful reality that I must bear as a constant companion until my final breath. My heart aches for the forgiveness of mankind, though I am starkly conscious of my unworthiness to receive it. I have even reconciled myself to the notion that perhaps only God holds the key to my ultimate and comprehensive redemption," Tait lamented deeply. "Even so, I offer my profoundest apologies to all those whom I have hurt. My regret is genuine and heartfelt."Prior to the revelation of his alleged misdeeds, Tait revealed that he had already "commenced a path towards wellness, healing, and wholeness." He expressed gratitude towards the clinical professionals, his loving family, compassionate friends, and insightful counselors who "recognized my frailty and enveloped me in a cocoon of love, grace, and fervent prayer."
Tait continued, "I acknowledge the repercussions of my sins and am steadfast in my commitment to the arduous journey of repentance and healing—a journey I undertake quietly and discreetly, far removed from the glittering stage and the harsh spotlight."
"I fully comprehend, deserve, and accept that my sinful conduct may have eroded the respect, faith, or trust others had in me," he conceded. "But the notion that someone might forsake or hesitate to embrace faith and trust in Jesus because I have been a woeful ambassador of His teachings shatters my heart. For He, and He alone, is our ultimate beacon of hope."
Preceding Tait's confession, the current lineup of Newsboys—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—issued a statement on Thursday, June 5th, sharing a poignant note on Instagram. "Our hearts shattered into a million pieces upon learning of the allegations against our former lead singer, Michael Tait, accusations of drug abuse and inappropriate sexual conduct," the band mourned.
They went on, "We are horrified, heartbroken, and filled with anger. In many respects, we feel as though we and our families have been living under a veil of deception for the past fifteen years."
