Christian Rock Legend's Secret Life Explodes

When beloved Christian rock frontman Michael Tait stepped away from Newsboys in January, the announcement felt sudden, even to him. But what followed has rocked not just his fans but the entire Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) world.

A Sudden Departure, Then a Storm

On Jan. 16, 2025, Tait, 59, told fans he was leaving the Newsboys, calling it a "monumental and heartfelt decision" that surprised even him, according to PEOPLE.

His message was vague, offering little insight into the reasoning. But on June 4, The Roys Report published a years-long investigation that included allegations of sexual assault made by three men who said Tait assaulted them in 2004, 2010, and 2014 while they were in their twenties.

The Allegations

The Roys Report article alleged that Tait used his celebrity status to befriend the men on tour and later assaulted them. The men claimed the behavior was non-consensual and involved unwanted sexual contact. These accounts were corroborated by additional reporting from The Guardian, which interviewed 25 individuals in the Christian music industry. Many claimed, according to the Guardian, that Tait's alleged misconduct was one of the "biggest open secrets in Christian music."

The Guardian also reported that some victims believed they were drugged by Tait before being assaulted. One man, Shawn Davis, alleged he woke up during one such incident to find Tait performing a sex act on him. Another man, identified only as Adam, recalled waking up in Tait's bed with his pants unzipped and being touched inappropriately after blacking out from a night of drinking.

'My Confession'

On June 10, Tait released a statement titled "My Confession," where he admitted to long-term substance abuse and inappropriate conduct. "For some two decades I used and abused cocaine, consumed far too much alcohol, and, at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way," he wrote, according to USA Today.

Tait added, "I am ashamed of my life choices and actions, and make no excuses for them. I will simply call it what God calls it — sin."

According to PEOPLE, he acknowledged that although he might dispute some of the details in the allegations, he did "not dispute the substance of them."

According to USA Today, he said he stepped down from Newsboys in January so he could "get help," spending six weeks in a Utah treatment center. "I was not healthy, physically or spiritually, and was tired of leading a double life," Tait confessed, adding that he has been "clean and sober since."

Reaction From Newsboys

The remaining members of Newsboys — Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee — responded the day after the allegations were made public. "Our hearts were shattered when we read the news alleging drug abuse and inappropriate sexual actions by our former lead singer, Michael Tait," they wrote on Instagram, according to PEOPLE.

According to USA Today, the band revealed that Tait had previously admitted to living "a double life" when he abruptly left the band. Still, the full extent of his alleged actions came as a surprise. "While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications," they stated earlier on June 5.

Legacy and Fallout

Tait, who first rose to fame as a member of DC Talk in the 1990s, was a staple of Christian youth culture. With albums like "Jesus Freak," and his role in the hit movie "God's Not Dead," Tait became a symbol of faith-driven music and conservative values. According to The Guardian, many of the men who came forward said they grew up idolizing Tait and were shocked when the image didn't match the reality.

Some survivors said the experience made them question their faith. Gabriel, one of the accusers, told The Guardian he walked away from Christianity for a time because of what Tait allegedly did to him. "Tait was presented as the pinnacle of godliness," he said. "He took something from me I'll never get back."

The Road Ahead

Tait says he is committed to healing and repentance, privately and away from the spotlight. "I accept the consequences of my sin," he wrote, according to PEOPLE. "To the extent my sinful behavior has caused anyone to lose respect or faith or trust in me, I understand, deserve, and accept that."

As of now, no criminal charges have been filed. The allegations remain under public scrutiny, and more individuals may yet come forward. For many, the fallout is ongoing — not just for the accused, but for the fans, friends, and faith community who once saw Michael Tait as a guiding light.

References: Former Lead Singer of Christian Rock Band Newsboys Confesses to Making 'Unwanted Sensual' Advances, Cocaine and Alcohol Abuse | 'Sadly, Largely True': Ex-Newsboys Singer Speaks on Sexual Assault Allegations | 'He Stole a Piece of Our Souls': Christian Music Star Michael Tait Accused of Sexual Assault by Three Men