Newsboys singer Michael Tait accused of sexual assault and grooming after telling band he's 'living double life'
Share and Follow

The former lead singer of an award-winning Christian-rock band is at the center of shocking allegations. It is claimed that he was “living a double life” while being involved in the music industry. The accusations against him include sexual assault, grooming, and drug abuse stretching back as far as two decades.

Michael Tait, who served as the frontman for Newsboys for 16 years before leaving in January, allegedly abused alcohol and drugs before inappropriately touching several people, according to an investigative report from Christian media outlet, The Roys Report.

Newsboys’ current members, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Adam Agee, addressed the allegations against their former bandmate on Friday.

“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,” the band wrote on Instagram.

“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 band members described themselves as fathers and husbands who were left “horrified, heartbroken and angered” over the allegations against Tait.

Tait, 59, allegedly confessed that he had been “living a double life” when he left the group, the band claimed.

“We never imagined that it could be this bad,” the band added.

Tait announced he was departing Newsboys on Jan. 16, a day after a TikToker Azariah Southworth made a viral post claiming the singer was gay.

The post reached over 250,000 views before it was removed from the platform for “violent extremism,” according to the outlet.

Tait didn’t address the viral TikTok in his decision to leave the band.

“While this may come to 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 stepown from Newsboys,” he wrote in an Instagram post on Jan. 16. “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.”

Tate joined Newsboys in 2009 after having been the lead singer for Christian rap trio DC Talk.

Tait allegedly befriended multiple people while on tour, including three men in 2004, 2010 and 2014, respectively.

Two of the men, who were all 22 years old when they met Tait, 59, claim they were offered alcohol and they woke up to the singer allegedly fondling them, the outlet added.

The third man alleges Tait offered him cocaine on the Newsboys’ tour bus, gave him a back massage in a hot tub, and was invited to his king-size bed where the vocalist began to touch him non-consensually, the outlet reported.

Newsboys’ were nominated for four Grammy Awards between 1992 and 2003.

They have been nominated for 30 Dove Awards, winning six times, and have won several other awards, including a Billboard Music Video Award and two Nashville Music Awards.

The band appeared in the movie “God’s Not Dead” as themselves performing a concert attended by the main characters played by Shane Harper and Kevin Sorbo.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Miami-Dade deputy fatally shot during altercation, prompting massive police response

Tragic Miami-Dade Deputy Shooting Sparks Widespread Police Mobilization

A Miami-Dade deputy tragically lost his life following a shooting incident on…
Suspicious package sickens several at Joint Base Andrews, home to Air Force One

Unraveling the Mystery: Suspicious Package Sparks Health Concerns at Joint Base Andrews

Several U.S. servicemembers at Joint Base Andrews encountered a suspicious package on…
Jacksonville City Council members propose $2 million in emergency funding for food insecurity

Jacksonville Tackles Hunger Crisis: City Council Proposes $2 Million Boost to Combat Food Insecurity

In a proactive effort to address the impact of the ongoing shutdown,…
Israeli hostage who revealed sexual abuse describes full horror

Israeli Hostage Shares Harrowing Account of Sexual Abuse Ordeal

An Israeli man, who endured captivity and brutal assault at the hands…
Fox Sports lets go of Mark Sanchez and hires Drew Brees as NFL analyst

Drew Brees Joins Fox Sports: A New Era in NFL Analysis Begins

Fox Sports has made a significant change to its NFL analyst lineup,…
2026 Grammy nominations: Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny top nominees

Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny Lead the Charge in 2026 Grammy Nominations

Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and this year’s Super Bowl LX halftime star,…
ICE Chicago news: Sheriff's deputies remove group of 'suburban moms' at Broadview protest today against immigration enforcement

Suburban Moms Rally Against Immigration Enforcement at Broadview: Sheriff’s Deputies Respond

A group of 14 suburban mothers staged a demonstration on Friday, positioning…
McDonald's meltdown: Michigan woman wanted after allegedly tossing hot coffee at manager

McDonald’s Mayhem: Michigan Woman on the Run After Scalding Coffee Incident

A Michigan woman was caught on video launching hot coffee at a…