AN 80s rock band have shared their shock at discovering claims about their lead singer’s behaviour is “largely true”.
The performers in the group have shared their thoughts on the singer over his “double life”.
The Newsboys have shared their shock at the allegations surrounding their former lead singer[/caption]
Michael Tait has admitted that the claims about himself are “largely true”[/caption]
The Newsboys were headed up by lead singer Michael Tait, 59, who has faced accusations of drug and sex abuse – with the singer recognising that many of the claims about him are “largely true”.
He took to social media where he shared his version of events in an extremely honest post.
The former lead singer of the Christian rock band said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
The allegations first appeared to come to light when his former band made a statement to condemn his actions following an investigation by the Christian publication, The Roys Report.
In the investigation, three men, who were all 22 at the time of what they allege occurred, told how they had become to befriend Michael before he made unwanted non-consensual sexual advances on them.
The three occurrences are understood to have happened across ten years in 2004, 2010 and 2014 whilst Micheal was touring.
Michael left the group in January of this year before the allegations came to light.
On June 5, his former band released a statement in which they said: “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.”
They added they were “horrified, heartbroken, and angry” to hear of his deciet.
The band added: “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.”
He admitted to touching men non-consenually and inappropriately[/caption]
