Michael Tait, former lead singer of the Christian rock band Newsboys, has publicly acknowledged past misconduct following a report detailing sexual assault allegations spanning more than a decade.
In a statement posted to Instagram on June 10, Tait, 59, admitted to elements of the accusations, which were published by The Roys Report, a Christian investigative journalism outlet, just days earlier.
The report, released on June 4 after a two-and-a-half-year investigation, included accounts from three men who say Tait sexually assaulted them during Christian music tours in 2004, 2010, and 2014. The incidents allegedly followed periods in which Tait had built personal relationships with the individuals.
Tait joined the Newsboys as lead vocalist in 2009, following the departure of founding member Peter Furler. He resigned from the band on January 16, describing the decision in an earlier Instagram post as “monumental and heartfelt,” and said it came as a surprise even to himself.
In his June 10 post titled “My Confession”, Tait confirmed many of the details in The Roys Report, admitting to long-term substance abuse and instances of sexually inappropriate behavior.
“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.”
While Tait noted there may be discrepancies in certain specifics, he stated that he does “not dispute the substance” of the claims.
He linked his resignation to his deteriorating physical and spiritual health and the pressure of living a double life. Earlier this year, he sought help at a recovery center in Utah, where he underwent six weeks of intensive care.
“I have been clean and sober since,” he wrote, adding that he is committed to ongoing personal and spiritual recovery.
Reflecting on the harm caused, Tait expressed deep remorse: “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 emphasized that his healing journey began prior to the public allegations and credited clinical professionals, close friends, and family for supporting him through the early stages of recovery. He also stated his intent to continue healing “quietly and privately, away from the stage and the spotlight.”
“To the extent my sinful behaviour has caused anyone to lose respect or faith or trust in me, I understand, deserve, and accept that,” he said.
He concluded with a plea to those affected not to lose faith in Christianity because of his actions: “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.”
The day after the report’s release, current Newsboys members Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee issued a joint statement on Instagram, expressing their shock and heartbreak.
“Our hearts were shattered when we read the news alleging drug abuse and inappropriate sexual actions by our former lead singer, Michael Tait,” the band wrote.
“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.”
Punch
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