In January, singer Michael Tait left the Christian rock band Newsboys after 15 years. Then, simply final week, allegations of grooming, sexual assault, and substance abuse emerged in a prolonged article on The Roys Report following a two-and-a-half-year investigation.
The incidents allegedly occurred between 2004 and 2014 and befell whereas Tait — who was additionally within the band DC Discuss — was on tour or at residence. The publication spoke to over 50 sources, with three accusing him of grooming and sexual assault.
The three remaining members of Newsboys issued a assertion final week, saying “our hearts had been shattered once we learn the information alleging drug abuse and inappropriate sexual actions by our former lead singer, Michael Tait. Whereas Michael has not addressed these allegations, we’re devastated even by the implications.”
“When he left the band in January, Michael confessed to us and our administration that he ‘had been dwelling a double-life’ however we by no means imagined that it might be this dangerous,” they added.
Tait launched his assertion right this moment on social media, titling it “My Confession,” writing that he “would possibly dispute sure particulars within the accusations in opposition to me, I don’t dispute the substance of them.” Right here’s what he wrote in full:
Latest reviews of my reckless and damaging conduct, together with drug and alcohol abuse and sexual exercise are sadly, largely true. For some 20 years I used and abused cocaine, consumed far an excessive amount of alcohol, and, at instances, touched males in an undesirable sensual manner. I’m ashamed of my life selections and actions, and make no excuses for them. I’ll merely name it what God calls it-sin. I don’t blame anybody or something however myself. Whereas I would dispute sure particulars within the accusations in opposition to me, I don’t dispute the substance of them.
After I abruptly left Newsboys in January I did so to get assist. I used to be not wholesome, bodily or spiritually, and was bored with main a double life. I spent six weeks at a remedy middle in Utah, receiving assist that will have saved my life from final destruction. I’ve been clear and sober since, although I nonetheless have numerous arduous work forward of me.
I’m ashamed to confess that for years I’ve lied and deceived my household, associates, followers, and even misled my bandmates about features of my life. I used to be, for probably the most half, dwelling two distinctly totally different lives. I used to be not the identical particular person on stage Sunday night time that I used to be at residence on Monday. I used to be violating every part I used to be raised to imagine by my God-fearing Dad and Mother, about strolling with Jesus and was grieving the very God I cherished and sang about for many of my life. By His grace, I can say that for the previous six months, I’ve lived a singular life-one of utter brokenness and complete dependance on a loving and merciful God.
I’ve damage so many individuals in so some ways, and I’ll reside with that shameful actuality the remainder of my life. I can solely dream and pray for human forgiveness, as a result of I definitely don’t deserve it. I’ve even accepted the thought that God stands out as the solely One who finally and utterly forgives me. Nonetheless, I need to say I’m sorry to everybody I’ve damage. I’m really sorry. It’s my hope and prayer that every one these I’ve damage will obtain therapeutic, mercy, and hope from the Merciful Healer and Hope-Giver.
Even earlier than this current information turned public, I had began on a path to well being, therapeutic, and wholeness, because of a small circle of scientific well being professionals, loving household, caring associates, and clever counselors -all of whom noticed my brokenness and surrounded me with love, grace, and prayer. Sin is a horrible factor, taking us the place we don’t need to go; protecting us longer than we need to keep; and costing us greater than we need to pay. I settle for the implications of my sin and am dedicated to persevering with the arduous work of repentance and healing-work I’ll do quietly and privately, away from the stage and the highlight.
To the extent my sinful conduct has triggered anybody to lose respect or religion or belief in me, I perceive, deserve, and settle for that. But it surely crushes me to assume that somebody would lose or select to not pursue religion and belief in Jesus as a result of I’ve been a horrible consultant of Him-for He alone is finally the one hope for any of us.
King David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51 has been my prayer this yr: “Have mercy upon me, O God, based on Your lovingkindness…Blot out my transgressions. Wash me completely from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is all the time earlier than me… Create in me a brand new coronary heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit inside me.”
If you happen to or somebody you realize is present process sexual abuse, please go to rainn.org or contact the Nationwide Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-656-4673.
