Christian music singer Michael Tait confesses to double life

Less than a week after reports emerged of drug abuse and inappropriate sexual behavior, former Newsboys lead singer Michael Tait confirmed that the allegations are, in his words, largely true. His 630-word statement, titled, “My Confession,” was posted to Instagram Tuesday night. Tait said that while he might dispute certain details about the allegations, he admitted that over a span of about two decades he abused alcohol and cocaine and occasionally touched men in a sensual way without their consent.

How did this story get started? Tait abruptly left the Newsboys in January without explaining. In an Instagram post at the time, he said it was a decision he made with heartfelt prayer and fasting. Last week, The Roys Report said Tait had been accused of engaging in drug abuse and inappropriate sexual behavior. Newsboys bandmates Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, and Adam Agee issued a statement the day after The Roys Report published its story saying they were unaware of Tait’s reported behavior and felt as if they and their families had been deceived. They wrote that when Tait abruptly left the band in January, he told them he had been living a double life.

What else did Tait say? Tait characterized his conduct as sin and said he blamed no one but himself. He said he left the Newsboys because he was tired of living a double life and wanted to get professional and spiritual help. He said that he spent six weeks at a treatment center in Utah and that he’d been clean and sober since, though he added he still had lots of hard work ahead of him. He went on to apologize to his family, friends, fans, and bandmates for deceiving them.

Tait insisted that he started seeking forgiveness and healing before the allegations were made public. He also pledged to continue to repent, but to do so privately, away from the stage and the spotlight. 

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s initial report on the allegations against Tait.