Newsboys is one of the biggest Christian Rock bands in the world. While none of the band’s founding members remain, it has been active in one form or another for four decades. During those 40 years, the band has released 17 studio albums and appeared in the popular God’s Not Dead film series. Recently, the band was dropped from Capitol Christian Music Group after multiple allegations against lead singer Michael Tait came to light.
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Newsboys performed as part of the Elevate Music Festival in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Sunday night (June 22). Before starting their set, the band spoke to the audience about the allegations against their former frontman. According to ChurchLeaders, the band also announced that their label had dropped them in light of those allegations. However, Tait left the band in January, and they replaced him with Adam Agee, formerly of Stellar Kart and Audio Adrenaline. It appears the allegations against Tait are horrendous and credible enough that the label wanted to distance itself from the group despite the lineup change.
Content Warning: The next portion of this article contains mentions of sexual assault, grooming, and drugging.
The Allegations Against Former Newsboys Frontman, Michael Tait
The allegations against former Newsboys frontman, Michael Tait, go back over two decades, according to The Roys Report. The publication conducted a years-long investigation into Tait’s behind-the-scenes behavior, speaking to alleged victims and sources close to them.
One of the earliest allegations comes from 2005. Tait befriended a 22-year-old worship musician after meeting him at a concert. It is important to note that Tait was one of the biggest stars in contemporary Christian music who had been a member of DC Talk and other high-profile projects.
The young musician traveled from Oklahoma to hang out with Tait and his friends in Nashville. During a late-night skinny dipping session in Tait’s hot tub–something that TRR reports is common in the Christian music world–the former DC Talk member allegedly gave him a backrub. Later, Tait invited him to share his bed. There, Tait allegedly began giving the young musician another backrub, this time going lower. The nonconsensual massage turned into sexual assault. When the musician stopped Tait, he allegedly turned over and went to sleep. Afterward, he would not answer the musician’s calls or texts.
Another allegation stems from a 2011 incident with another musician who spoke to TRR on the condition of anonymity. He alleges that Tait got him drunk in his Brentwood mansion. Then, when the 22-year-old musician was incapacitated, Tait began giving him a foot massage, and he passed out. When he came to, the Christian music star was allegedly kissing his mouth and fondling his genitals. “I left before 6 AM. This is when I figured out that he had family living with him,” the musician told the publication. “He needed me out the door before his kids started waking up for school.”
Drug Use and More Assault Allegations
In 2013, a 22-year-old man joined the band’s crew. He was excited to be on the road with a band as big as Newsboys. However, the excitement wouldn’t last. One night, the band stayed up late on the bus, drinking. Eventually, he and Tait were the only ones left awake. They had to be up in less than an hour to begin setting up for the next gig. So, the young crew member made his way to his bunk. This is when Tait allegedly offered him c——. He turned down the offer and went to bed. Not long after, he allegedly awoke to Tait fondling his genitals.
Michael Tait Allegedly Enabled a Rapist
A 23-year-old woman joined Newsboys and their opening act on a tour in 2014. Most of the band had flown home to see their families while the young woman, Tait, and a few other members of the crew stayed behind. Lighting technician Matthew Brewer was among those who remained at the hotel in Fargo.
After a night of drinking lightly at the hotel bar, the young woman recalled Tait asking her to come take a shot of tequila with him and a friend before the bar closed. “Unfortunately, I have next to no memory after that drink,” she told The Roys Report.
The report states that video footage shows her leaving the bar alone and returning to her room. After not being able to get into her room, Brewer allegedly walked her down the hall to his room. The video footage shows her stumbling and almost falling on the way to the lighting technician’s room. Tait came to the room a few minutes later, and video footage shows Brewer stepping out, whispering, and laughing with the band member who then groped him.
She further alleges that Brewer sexually assaulted her while Tait watched. She adds that the band’s tour manager helped cover it up.
Further Allegations Against the Former Newsboys Frontman and a Confession
Six more alleged victims have come forward to accuse the former Newsboys frontman of sexual abuse and misconduct. They spoke to The Guardian about their experiences. Two of the young men were minors when the alleged abuse took place.
Michael Tait posted a statement to Instagram on June 10. Titled “My Confession,” the statement begins, “Recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity, are sadly, largely true.” See the full statement below.
Featured Image by Jason Walle/ZUMA Wire/Shutterstock
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