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The music industry was rocked recently when Capitol Christian Music Group decided to remove The Newsboys from its lineup. This decision follows serious allegations against former band member Michael Tait, involving misconduct that spans over two decades.
Michael Tait, once the lead vocalist for the band, faces accusations of drug abuse, grooming, and sexual assault, as detailed in The Roys Report. These claims, which have circulated for years, describe troubling incidents that date back over 20 years.
Tait resigned from The Newsboys in January, prior to the allegations coming to light. Despite this, he later confirmed that the accusations were “largely true,” admitting his struggles with drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, and inappropriate conduct towards men.
“For some two decades, I used and abused cocaine, consumed far too much alcohol, and, at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way. 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,” Tait confessed.
He further expressed regret over deceiving those close to him, stating, “I’m ashamed to admit that for years I have lied and deceived my family, friends, fans, and even misled my bandmates about aspects of my life. I was, for the most part, living two distinctly different lives.”
Tait reflected on his double life, saying, “I was not the same person on stage Sunday night that I was at home on Monday. I was violating everything I was raised to believe by my God-fearing Dad and Mom, about walking with Jesus and was grieving the very God I loved and sang about for most of my life. By His grace, I can say that for the past six months, I have lived a singular life—one of utter brokenness and total dependence on a loving and merciful God.”
Despite these allegations being known in industry circles, Tait’s former bandmates were reportedly unaware of his actions. Adam Agee, who succeeded Tait as lead singer, spoke at the Elevate Music Festival in Scottsdale, Arizona, about the band’s recent challenges.
According to Agee, the fallout from the scandal included being dropped by Capitol Christian Music Group and having their music pulled from various radio stations. Additionally, several venues and promoters have canceled their engagements with The Newsboys.
“It was so shocking to us, because that’s not the guy we knew … The guy that we knew, that we’ve been on the road with, he was our family. He was our brother, and a friend to our families, to our kids …,” Agee shared with the audience.
He added, “It just has been devastating to us, and our families have felt like our names (have) been dragged through the mud because of all this, and it’s really, really hurt our kids.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
