The Christian rock band Newsboys, a staple in the contemporary Christian music scene since the 1980s, has been thrust into the spotlight following serious allegations of sexual misconduct and drug abuse against their former lead singer, Michael Tait.

In a statement released on June 5, 2025, the band expressed profound shock and devastation, describing themselves as “horrified, heartbroken, and angry” in response to the claims.

The allegations against Michael Tait, who fronted Newsboys from 2009 until his abrupt departure in January 2025, stem from a two-and-a-half-year investigation by The Roys Report.

The report, published on June 4, 2025, detailed accounts from at least three men, all aged 22 at the time of the alleged incidents, who claim Tait groomed and sexually assaulted them between 2004 and 2014.

These incidents reportedly occurred both at Tait’s home in Brentwood, Tennessee, and on the road during Newsboys tours.

Specific accusations include non-consensual physical contact, such as fondling after heavy drinking, and in one case, an offer of cocaine on a tour bus. The report also cited multiple sources corroborating a pattern of excessive alcohol and substance abuse by Tait during his tenure with the band.

The allegations have been described as “Nashville’s worst-kept secret,” suggesting that rumors of Tait’s behavior had circulated within the Christian music community for years.

Despite his prominence as a former member of the Grammy-winning group DC Talk and a key figure in Newsboys’ commercial success, including chart-topping albums and appearances in the God’s Not Dead film series, these claims have cast a shadow over his legacy.

In their statement, Newsboys members Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee expressed unequivocal support for the alleged victims.

“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,” they wrote.

The band emphasized their personal stake in the matter, noting, “The four of us are husbands and fathers.

Between the four of us, we have fourteen children. Our wives and children have made many sacrifices while we have dedicated our lives to playing music together that glorifies God.”

The band revealed that Tait had confessed to them in January 2025, upon leaving the group, that he had been “living a double life.” However, they stated, “We never imagined that it could be this bad.”

This admission underscores the sense of betrayal felt by the band, who said they and their families “have been deceived for the last fifteen years.”

The statement, signed individually by each member, did not indicate whether the band would pursue further action but focused on their emotional response and commitment to supporting victims.

Tait’s exit from Newsboys in January 2025 came as a surprise to fans, announced just days before the band’s Worldwide Revival Nights tour.

At the time, Tait cited “prayer and fasting” as guiding his “monumental and heartfelt decision” to step down, offering no specific reasons for his departure.

The timing, however, coincided with rumors about his personal life, including unverified claims on social media about his sexuality, which fueled speculation within the Christian music community.

The Christian Post reported that while Tait’s departure was not explicitly linked to the allegations, the subsequent revelations have intensified scrutiny.

Following Tait’s exit, guitarist Adam Agee, who joined the band in 2023, stepped into the lead singer role. The band re-recorded tracks, such as “How Many Times,” to feature Agee’s vocals, signaling a swift transition to a new chapter.

Despite the upheaval, Newsboys affirmed their commitment to continue, stating in March 2025 that “God has shown His faithfulness” and expressing excitement about new music.