Disclaimer: The article contains mentions of sexual abuse. Reader discretion is advised.
Michael Tait, former lead singer of Newsboys, has recently been the subject of multiple allegations involving sexual misconduct, grooming, and substance use. Tait, who joined Newsboys in 2009, was with the band for 16 years and eventually departed in January 2025.
So, how did Newsboys respond to the allegations made against Michael Tait? Here’s what we know.
Current Newsboys members Jody, Duncan, Jeff, and Adam issued a statement on Facebook addressing Michael Tait’s sexual assault allegations.
“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,” the statement read. The Christian rock band then said the implications of the allegations had “devastated” them. Tait has yet to address those allegations.
Newsboys then stated that their “hearts” were with the alleged sexual assault victims who came forward with their stories. The band then urged people to “come forward” if they were sexual assault victims.
The band then discussed their family lives, sharing how their spouses and children “made many sacrifices,” while they made music glorifying God. They expressed horror, heartbreak, and anger at the report. “We feel as if we and our families have been deceived for the last fifteen years,” they added.
Newsboys then concluded their statement by revealing that Tait told them and their management of the “double-life” he had been leading, when he left the band in January. However, they admitted not imagining that his double life was “this bad.”
The Roys Report was the first to report on Michael Tait’s sexual assault allegations. The outlet spoke with three of Tait’s alleged sexual assault victims — all of whom were men. They revealed that Tait had befriended each of them individually in 2004, 2010, and 2014, when they were 22.
The men claimed that they drank alcohol with Tait and later found him fondling their genitals. One of the victims also alleged that Tait offered him cocaine while on a Newsboys tour bus.
Moreover, a third person alleged that Tait gave him a back message while skinny dipping. He also claimed that Tait non-consensually massaged his anal area, while sharing the latter’s king-sized bed.
As of now, Michael Tait has not responded publicly to the allegations.
