Michael Tait Steps Away from Newsboys Amid Allegations — After more than 15 years as the lead singer of Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially stepped down, marking the end of an era for the beloved Christian rock band. His departure, initially framed as a personal decision, has now been overshadowed by troubling allegations.

Michael Tait Steps Away from Newsboys Amid Allegations

Michael Tait joined Newsboys in 2009, bringing his signature energy and vocal prowess to the band after his time with DC Talk. Under his leadership, Newsboys experienced a resurgence, delivering hits like Born Again, God’s Not Dead, and We Believe. His presence helped shape the band’s modern identity, blending worship with rock in a way that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

A Legacy of Faith and Music

The Official Statement and Allegations

Tait officially stepped down in January 2025 (I blogged on it then—now redirecting here to new info). However On June 5, Newsboys released a heartfelt and devastating statement addressing allegations of drug abuse and inappropriate sexual actions by their former lead singer. The band expressed their shock, heartbreak, and anger, emphasizing their support for victims who have bravely come forward.

See in Instagram.

“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. While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications.
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.”

The band members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—shared their personal devastation, revealing that when Tait left the band in January, he confessed to “living a double life.” However, they never imagined the extent of the situation.

“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. 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.”

Moving Forward

While Michael Tait has yet to respond publicly to the allegations, Newsboys are pressing forward with their Worldwide Revival Nights tour, reaffirming their dedication to spreading faith through music. The band has made it clear that they stand with victims and do not condone any form of abuse.

Fans continue to express a mix of emotions—gratitude for Tait’s contributions to Christian music, sorrow over the allegations, and concern for those affected. Whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter for Tait or a time of personal reckoning, his legacy remains deeply intertwined with the history of Newsboys.

The future of Newsboys may be uncertain, but both Tait and the band are optimistic about what lies ahead. As they navigate this season of change, they remain committed to their mission of leading people to Christ through music.

Michael Tait was the third lead singer, following Peter Furler and John James. Tait brought a fresh dynamic to the band and helped them achieve significant success during his tenure.

Please keep the victims, families, friends, family, Newsboys and Michael Tate in your prayers. Pray for forgiveness, healing, restoration and repentance.

Update: Tait’s Confession

Michael Tait

June 10, 2025

Recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity are sadly, largely true. 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. I don’t blame anyone or anything but myself. While I might dispute certain details in the accusations against me, I do not dispute the substance of them.

When I abruptly left Newsboys in January I did so to get help. I was not healthy, physically or spiritually, and was tired of leading a double life. I spent six weeks at a treatment center in Utah, receiving help that may have saved my life from ultimate destruction. I have been clean and sober since, though I still have lots of hard work ahead of me.

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. 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 dependance on a loving and merciful God.

I have hurt so many people in so many ways, and I will live with that shameful reality the rest of my life. I can only dream and pray for human forgiveness, because I certainly don’t deserve it. I have even accepted the thought that God may be the only One who ultimately and completely forgives me. Still, I want to say I’m sorry to everyone I have hurt. I am truly sorry. It is my hope and prayer that all those I have hurt will receive healing, mercy, and hope from the Merciful Healer and Hope-Giver.

Even before this recent news became public, I had started on a path to health, healing, and wholeness, thanks to a small circle of clinical health professionals, loving family, caring friends, and wise counselors

-all of whom saw my brokenness and surrounded me with love, grace, and prayer. Sin is a terrible thing, taking us where we don’t want to go; keeping us longer than we want to stay; and costing us more than we want to pay. I accept the consequences of my sin and am committed to continuing the hard work of repentance and healing-work I will do quietly and privately, away from the stage and the spotlight.

To the extent my sinful behavior has caused anyone to lose respect or faith or trust in me, I understand, deserve, and accept that. But 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-for He alone is ultimately the only hope for any of us.

King David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51 has been my prayer this year: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness…Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me…

Create in me a new heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

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About the Author

Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

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