Michael Tait Breaks Silence Stating ‘I Have Lied and Deceived My Family, Friends, Fans’
Former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait acknowledged in a lengthy statement Tuesday that he had been living a "double life" for the past two decades, saying he engaged in drug abuse and sexual activity and is ashamed of his past. Tait also revealed he has been in a treatment center and is determined to turn his life around. He labeled his statement "My Confession."
"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," Tait 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. 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."
Tait is one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary Christian music, first rising to fame in the 1990s as a member of the Grammy-winning group DC Talk before launching a solo career and eventually becoming lead singer of the Newsboys -- an iconic band with multiple Grammy nominations of its own.
He stepped away from the Newsboys in January without citing a reason, just as the band was set to launch a multi-city tour.
Then, in June, The Roys Report posted an investigative report, citing three males who say he made non-consensual sexual advances on them. The same story said Tait was often drunk and even offered one of the men cocaine.
Following is Tait's full statement:
"My 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, l 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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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published June 10, 2025.
