Fans of Christian music were rocked by the news that Newsboys and DC Talk vocalist Michael Tait has fallen from grace, with the singer now embroiled in a scandal after being accused of assault and grooming. The four other members of Tait’s former band reacted online with dismay, telling fans they were “horrified” by the news.
For context, on June 4, 2025, press accounts confirmed that Michael Tait, former member of the Christian trio DC Talk and former frontman of Newsboys, had been accused of assault, grooming, and substance abuse, with the allegations dating as far back as 2004. The Roys Report’s Jessica Morris broke the story, explaining that Tait had been the subject of an ongoing investigation by the outlet.
Moreover, in an official statement shared online on June 5, 2025, the Newsboys responded to the news, saying, “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.” The band then wrote, “While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications.”
Continuing, the band wrote that their “hearts are with the victims who have bravely shared their stories.” The statement went on, “If you are a victim, we urge you to come forward. We absolutely do not condone any form of sexual assault.” Moreover, the band’s statement clarified that the remaining four members are “husbands and fathers,” adding, “Between the four of us, we have fourteen children.”
Building on this point, the band’s statement added, “Our wives and children have made many sacrifices while we have dedicated our lives to playing music together that glorifies God.” Candidly expressing their disappointment, the band wrote, “We are horrified, heartbroken, and angry at this report, and in many ways, we feel as if we and our families have been deceived for the last fifteen years.”
Finally, the statement described how the band had known that Tait had been keeping secrets from them, but that the other four members did not know the extent of his wrongdoing. They concluded, “When he left the band in January, Michael confessed to us and our management that he ‘had been living a double life,’ but we never imagined that it could be this bad.”
Months prior to the accusations against Tait being made public, the vocalist released a statement online on January 16 saying that he was officially stepping down as the lead singer of Newsboys after 15 years. He wrote, “While this may come 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 step down from Newsboys.”
Furthermore, Tait said that his decision “does not come lightly,” adding that it “has been a shock to even myself, but amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision.” Moreover, Tait said to his bandmates, “You are my family, and always will be. I know Newsboys will carry on doing incredible things for God’s kingdom with strength and purpose, and I can’t wait to cheer you on while you do.”
Featured image credit: Newsboys via X