Former lead singer of the Christian rock band Newsboys, Michael Tait, is speaking publicly following recent allegations of sexual misconduct.
The 59-year-old artist had earlier announced his exit from the band on January 16, calling it a “monumental and heartfelt decision” and admitting it had come as “a shock to even myself” in an Instagram post.
On Wednesday, June 4, The Roys Report, a Christian investigative media outlet, published the results of a two-and-a-half-year probe involving Tait.
The report includes accounts from three men who claim Tait sexually assaulted them during Christian music tours in 2004, 2010, and 2014.
Tait, who took over as Newsboys’ frontman in 2009 following the departure of co-founder Peter Furler, allegedly befriended the men before the incidents occurred.
In a deeply personal Instagram post titled “My Confession” on Tuesday, June 10, Tait responded to the allegations, acknowledging that many of the claims, including those involving substance abuse and inappropriate conduct, were 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,” the post continued.
While he noted that he “might dispute certain details in the accusations,” Tait admitted he “[does] not dispute the substance of them.”
He explained that his decision to step away from the band earlier this year was linked to his personal struggles, saying, “I was not healthy, physically or spiritually, and was tired of leading a double life.”
He revealed he sought help at a treatment centre in Utah, undergoing six weeks of intensive care, “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.
Tait opened up about the stark contrast between his public image and private life. “I was not the same person on stage Sunday night that I was at home on Monday,” he said, reflecting on years of internal conflict.
“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,” he wrote. “Still, I want to say I’m sorry to everyone I have hurt. I am truly sorry.”
Tait shared that he had begun his recovery journey before the allegations became public knowledge, crediting “clinical health professionals, loving family, caring friends, and wise counsellors” who “saw my brokenness and surrounded me with love, grace, and prayer.”
“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,” he stated.
“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 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.”
Before Tait’s public confession, Newsboys’ current members — Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee — released a statement on Thursday, June 5, via Instagram.
“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 shared.
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.”
