Former Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait Accused of Sexual Misconduct, Drug Abuse, and Grooming Amid Allegations of "Double Life"
- Victor Nwoko
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Michael Tait, the former lead singer of the Grammy-nominated Christian rock band Newsboys, is facing serious allegations of sexual assault, grooming, and substance abuse, reportedly spanning nearly two decades. Tait, 59, who led the band for 16 years before stepping down in January, is accused of engaging in a disturbing pattern of behavior while allegedly hiding a “double life.”
The accusations include claims of inappropriate sexual contact, drug use, and the grooming of young men during tours. Three men, who each met Tait in 2004, 2010, and 2014 respectively, allege that the singer exploited his position to manipulate and abuse them. According to their accounts, Tait offered them alcohol and drugs, and two of them say they woke up to him allegedly fondling them. The third accuser claims Tait offered him cocaine aboard the Newsboys’ tour bus, gave him a back massage in a hot tub, and then invited him to share a bed, where he allegedly initiated non-consensual contact.
The band—currently composed of Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, and Adam Agee—responded to the allegations in a statement posted on Instagram. “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,” they said.
The members expressed support for the alleged victims, stating, “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.” Describing themselves as “fathers and husbands,” they said they were left “horrified, heartbroken and angered.”
According to the band, Tait had privately admitted to “living a double life” at the time of his departure in January. “We never imagined that it could be this bad,” the band added.
Tait officially announced his exit from Newsboys on January 16, one day after a viral TikTok video by influencer Azariah Southworth claimed that Tait was gay. The video amassed over 250,000 views before being removed from the platform for allegedly violating its policies on “violent extremism.” Tait did not reference the video in his public statement regarding his departure.
In his announcement, Tait wrote, “While this may come as a surprise given I’ve been touring ever since college, I’ve made for me what is a monumental and heartfelt decision that it is time to step down from Newsboys. This decision does not come lightly and has been a shock to even myself, but amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision.”
Before joining Newsboys in 2009, Tait was best known as the lead vocalist of the Christian rap and rock trio DC Talk. During his time with Newsboys, the group achieved notable success, earning four Grammy nominations between 1992 and 2003, winning six Dove Awards, and receiving several other accolades including a Billboard Music Video Award and two Nashville Music Awards. The band also made a prominent appearance in the faith-based film God’s Not Dead.
The allegations mark a stunning fall from grace for a figure long considered a staple of the Christian music scene. As the investigation continues, fans and fellow artists await further responses, including from Tait himself, who has not publicly addressed the claims.
