Contemporary Christian musician Michael Tait published a “confession” June 10 that largely corroborates accusations against him published the previous week by The Roys Report and also reported by Baptist News Global.
“Recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity are sadly, largely true,” wrote the former frontman for Newsboys who first was known as part of the group DCTalk.
“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.”
Those allegations included details of unwanted sexual advances against young men seeking to enter the Christian music business, men who needed Tait’s blessing and support.
In January, Tait abruptly announced his departure from Newsboys.
“I was not healthy, physically or spiritually, and was tired of leading a double life,” he said yesterday. “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.”
Tait’s statement does not address his sexual orientation. However, all his alleged victims to date are men.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”
For the past six months, he said, “I have lived a singular life — one of utter brokenness and total dependence 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.”
Related articles:
Former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait accused of sexual assault
Why Michael Tait’s apology is not enough | Opinion by David Bumgardner