(UPDATE) Michael Tait, the former lead singer of the Christian rock band Newsboys and a member of the Grammy-winning group DC Talk, publicly confessed on June 10, 2025, to a history of “reckless and destructive behavior,” including cocaine and alcohol abuse, as well as inappropriate sexual conduct with men.
The confession, posted on Instagram under the title “My Confession,” follows a detailed investigative report by The Roys Report published on June 4, 2025, which outlined allegations of sexual assault and substance abuse spanning two decades.
Tait, a prominent figure in contemporary Christian music (CCM) since the 1980s, rose to fame as part of DC Talk, whose 1995 album Jesus Freak became a cultural touchstone for Evangelical youth, selling over 3 million copies.
He later joined Newsboys in 2009, contributing to their commercial success until his abrupt departure in January 2025.
The Roys Report’s investigation, which spanned over two years and included interviews with more than 50 sources, detailed accusations from three men who claimed Tait engaged in predatory behavior during Christian music tours in 2004, 2010, and 2014.
The men, all 22 years old at the time of the alleged incidents, described similar patterns of grooming, excessive alcohol use, and non-consensual physical contact.
Specific allegations include Tait offering cocaine on a tour bus, fondling men while they were intoxicated, and engaging in unwanted touching during a skinny-dipping encounter.
The report characterized Tait’s conduct as “Nashville’s worst-kept secret,” noting that fear of being blackballed in the Christian music industry had previously silenced victims.
In his Instagram statement, Tait, now 59, admitted that the allegations were “sadly, largely true.” He wrote, “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.” While disputing some unspecified details, Tait did not challenge the core of the accusations.
He expressed remorse, stating, “I have hurt so many people in so many ways, and I will live with that shameful reality the rest of my life.”
Tait revealed that his sudden exit from Newsboys in January 2025 was motivated by a desire to seek help. He spent six weeks at a treatment center in Utah, addressing addiction and emotional health, and claims to have been clean and sober since.
“I was not healthy, physically or spiritually, and was tired of leading a double life,” he said.
Tait also expressed concern that his actions might cause others to lose faith in Christianity, stating, “It crushes me to think that someone would lose or choose not to pursue faith and trust in Jesus because I have been a horrible representative of Him.”
