Former Lead Singer of Christian Rock Band Newsboys Confesses to Making ‘Unwanted Sensual’ Advances, Cocaine and Alcohol Abuse
Michael Tait, the former frontman of the Grammy-nominated Christian rock band Newsboys, has publicly confessed to long-term cocaine and alcohol abuse and admitted to making “unwanted sensual” advances toward multiple men during his time in the Christian music spotlight. His startling admission comes after a report surfaced detailing allegations of sexual misconduct and substance abuse spanning over a decade.
The confession follows an investigative report published by The Roys Report on June 4, which detailed accounts from three men who accused Tait of sexually assaulting them between 2004 and 2014. According to the report, the men were introduced to Tait during Christian concerts and festivals and were allegedly groomed, manipulated, and in some cases, assaulted when they were intoxicated.
The men described Tait as charming, charismatic, and deeply spiritual in public, but claimed he engaged in predatory behavior in private, including groping and coercion.
On June 10, Tait issued a lengthy written statement titled “My Confession,” where he accepted responsibility for his actions, calling them sinful and indefensible. He admitted to a lifestyle riddled with substance abuse and sexual misconduct:
“I am ashamed of my life choices and actions. I can only dream and pray for human forgiveness, though I know I may not deserve it.”
He continued:
“While I do not agree with every detail presented in the reports, I know the broad strokes are largely true. I abused drugs and alcohol for years. I lived a double life. And yes, I made unwanted sensual advances.”
Tait emphasized that his confession was not a legal defense or a public relations move, but a personal act of repentance. He expressed deep remorse for any damage caused to individuals and to the Christian faith community at large:
“To the extent my sinful behavior has caused anyone to lose respect or faith in Jesus… I deserve that. But it crushes me.”
Tait stepped down from the Newsboys earlier in January 2025, citing personal reasons. In his confession, he revealed that his departure was due to his need to enter rehab. He completed a six-week treatment program at a facility in Utah and claimed he has been clean and sober since.
“I’ve not used since entering treatment, but I know healing is a lifelong journey. I must now live quietly, away from the spotlight, to truly change.”
The remaining members of Newsboys—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—issued a joint statement expressing shock and sorrow. They stated they were unaware of the extent of Tait’s misconduct and felt “devastated and betrayed.”
“Last night, our hearts were shattered… We are horrified, heartbroken, and angry. We feel as if we and our families have been deceived for the last fifteen years.”
The band said they are working with their management and legal counsel to ensure full transparency and encouraged any additional victims to come forward.
Michael Tait rose to fame in the 1990s as a founding member of the iconic Christian rap-rock trio DC Talk, alongside TobyMac and Kevin Max. He later joined Newsboys in 2009, leading the band through one of its most commercially successful periods.
Known for energetic performances and bold evangelism, Newsboys became a staple in contemporary Christian music. Their songs, like “God’s Not Dead” and “We Believe,” were heard in churches and arenas around the world. Tait’s reputation as a spiritual leader and role model made the revelations even more distressing to fans.
Following the revelations, several Christian radio networks have reportedly paused or removed Newsboys’ and DC Talk’s music from regular rotation. Some concert venues have also canceled scheduled Christian music events that previously featured Tait.
Leaders within the Christian music industry are calling for broader accountability and mental health support among artists and ministry figures, especially those placed in high-profile leadership roles.
Tait’s fall from grace has reignited long-standing concerns about accountability, secrecy, and image management in the Christian music scene. Critics argue that church-affiliated entertainment platforms often fail to monitor or address misconduct by prominent figures.
Christian abuse survivor advocates have called for more robust reporting mechanisms and have urged victims to seek support. Organizations like RAINN and GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) have offered resources for those affected by the revelations.
Michael Tait ended his statement with an appeal for prayer:
“Pray for the victims, for those I hurt, and for those confused by all this. I pray my confession helps others find healing, and that my failures point people not to me, but to the mercy of Jesus.”
As the Newsboys and their fan base wrestle with the weight of this revelation, one truth remains: public grace must be paired with personal responsibility. And even in the face of scandal, the road to redemption begins with honesty.
