Michael Tait is taking accountability.
After he was accused of sexual assault and drug abuse by multiple people, the Newsboys singer spoke out on the allegations, which the accusers said took place between 2004 and 2014.
“Recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity are sadly, largely true,” Tait wrote in a statement shared to his Instagram June 10. “For some two decades I used and abused cocaine, consumed far too much alcohol, and, at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way.”
The four-time Grammy winner went on to say that he’s taking full responsibility for the incidents described in the reports, which were first published by Christian media outlet The Roys Report on June 4.
“I am ashamed of my life choices and actions, and make no excuses for them,” Tait continued. “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.”
And the 59-year-old also noted that he’s taken steps to correct his behavior. For one, he stepped away from Newsboys in January, leaving behind remaining members Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Adam Agee.
“I did so to get help,” Tait said of quitting the Christian rock group. “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.”
And while the former DC Talk frontman said he’s been “clean and sober since,” he admitted that he still has “lots of hard work” ahead of him, and he said he’ll forever live with the shame of “living two distinctly different lives.”
As Tait put it, “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,” he continued. “Still, I want to say I’m sorry to everyone I have hurt. I am truly sorry.”
Less than a week before Tait’s confession, The Roys Report published a report accusing Tait of sexual assault and drug abuse that was sourced by over 50 people, three of whom were men who said they experienced his nonconsensual sexual advances when they were in their early 20s.
Since the report’s release, Tait’s Newsboy bandmates have also spoken out on the allegations.
“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,” the band wrote on Instagram June 5. “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.”
They added, “We absolutely do not condone any form of sexual assault.”
