Newsboys Release Statement Addressing Sexual Assault Allegations Against Michael Tait: ‘We are Devastated’
The Newsboys have released a statement regarding public allegations of sexual assault, drug use, and grooming by frontman Michael Tait, saying that they are ‘devastated’ by the revelation and that while Tait confessed to them that he “had been living a double” life, they “never imagined it could be this bad.”
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. While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications.
First and foremost, our hearts are with the victims who have bravely shared their stories. If you are a victim, we urge you to come forward. We absolutely do not condone any form of sexual assault.
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. 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.
When he left the band in January, Michael confessed to us and our management that he “had been living a double-life” but we never imagined that it could be this bad.
Jeff, Jody, Duncan, and Adam
Despite their protestations of ignorance, it is nearly impossible to believe that The Newsboys bandmates had no knowledge of any of his actions or that there were no major red flags that they could have acted upon. Tait’s reputation has been an open secret in the Christian music community for years, with many Christian bands refusing to tour with them for this very reason.
Notably, Newsboys manager Wes Campbell HAS known about these allegations for years, and has been accused of covering it up from the public eye.