NEED TO KNOW
Christian rockers Newsboys are speaking out after allegations of sexual assault were made against the group’s former lead singer, Michael Tait.
On Thursday, June 5, the band shared a note on Instagram, one day after an investigation by The Roys Report was made public that included claims against Tait of alleged sexual assaults that took place between 2004 and 2014.
“Last night our hearts were shattered when we read the news alleging drug abuse and inappropriate sexual actions by our former lead singer, Michael Tait,” read the statement, which was shared by the band’s current lineup of Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips and Adam Agee.
“While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications,” the group continued. “The four of us are husbands and fathers. Between the four of us, we have fourteen children. Our wives and children have made many sacrifices while we have dedicated our lives to playing music together that glorifies God.”
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.”
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Before departing the band in January, Tait “confessed to us and our management” that he “had been living a double-life,” the band members then wrote, adding that they “never imagined that it could be this bad.”
Tait, formerly of the group DC Talk, has not publicly responded to the sexual assault allegations. The musician did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Saturday, June 7.
The Roys Report — the Christian media outlet behind the two-and-a-half-year investigation — claimed it spoke with three men who say Tait befriended them on Christian music tours in 2004, 2010 and 2014 and sexually assaulted them.
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Tait previously announced his departure from Newsboys on Jan. 16, writing on Instagram that it was a “monumental and heartfelt decision” that “has been a shock to even myself.”
He joined Newsboys in 2009 following the exit of band co-founder and then-lead vocalist Peter Furler.
“But amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision,” he continued in his departure announcement, later writing that he hoped listeners would “continue to support my brothers as they continue on in the Newsboys mission.”
“My heart remains focused on spreading hope and love in everything I do. Thank you for walking this journey with me. I’m forever grateful,” he concluded.
Tait is also largely known for his solo career, as well as his work in DC Talk alongside Kevin Max and TobyMac. The group won four Grammys between 1993 and 2001.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
