Original Statement by Station Director Dave Jones – 6/6/25
The enemy is at work in all circles, and Contemporary Christian Music is no exception. WGRC is aware that allegations of inappropriate behavior by former Newsboys front man Michael Tait have surfaced. These allegations have been shared among many media outlets. Considering the publicity, I believe it is only fair to you that I make a statement.
At this time, please keep in mind that these are just allegations. Nothing has been proven or disproven. However, it is a situation which needs to be held in prayer, not only for those directly involved, but for the Christian community at-large. The enemy will use this as an opportunity to attack. We must be vigilant, and we must stay the course of our God-ordained mission.
WGRC in no way condones any behavior mentioned in the allegations, no matter who may have committed them. Whether these allegations turn out to be true or not, I want to use this as an opportunity to encourage anyone who is a victim of abuse to reach out, don’t hide, help is out there. In no circumstance is abuse okay. It is not your fault. Furthermore, if you know of abuse, speak out, advocate for the victim.
WGRC will continue to monitor the situation and reevaluate our actions as needed, but for now, I have decided to cancel airtime for all Newsboys music, due in part to the sensitivity of those who are or have been victims of abuse. Let us be in an attitude of prayer as we continue to share the good news of the gospel during trying times. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send me an email to davej@wgrc.com.
Follow-up Statement by Station Director, Dave Jones – 6/12/25
Galatians 6:1 (NIV) “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
When you face difficult times, find direction and comfort in God’s word. The Newsboys are an iconic group around the globe and right here on WGRC. The recent news of inappropriate behavior by former frontman Michael Tait has forced stations to consider how to handle the situation from a music standpoint.
As previously noted, I have decided to pull from our playlist music from the Newsboys, while the situation unfolds. I want to be transparent with you, open and honest. Since the release of allegations against Michael, he has since released a public confession that has been posted in many forums. I believe that it is only fair that we share the full story.
At WGRC.com you can find my original statement, and Michael’s confession.
As we read in Galatians, we are to pray for everyone involved, including Michael, yet we are also to be vigilant. In light of this, and to bring awareness that abuse is real, I will continue to shelve music from the Newsboys until we finish navigating these turbulent times. At that point, I will evaluate what the next steps will be.
I ask you to pray for me as I lead through these troubled waters. I have had many questions come my way, and I hope this addressed them.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send me an email to davej@wgrc.com.
Content Warning: This article contains adult themes. It is intended for mature readers. Discretion is advised.
Michael Tait’s Full Statement
My Confession
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 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. 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, I 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.”
Newsboys’ Full Statement
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.
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. We are horrified, heartbroken, and angry at this report and in many ways, we feel as if we and our families have been deceived for the last fifteen years.
When he left the band in January, Michael confessed to us and our management that he “had been living a double-life” but we never imagined that it could be this bad.
—Jeff, Jody, Duncan, and Adam
Where Do We Go From Here?
As believers, we are called to tell the truth—but also to remember it is Jesus, not any one artist, who is the author and finisher of our faith. The music that helped shape the lives of millions—from Jesus Freak to God’s Not Dead—is still used by God, even if those delivering it fall short. Because we all fall short.
Tait’s catalog, like so many artists before him, contains songs that still stir hearts toward the Gospel. His failures do not negate that impact, even as his actions now rightly call for humility, accountability, and deep repentance.
A Final Word and a Prayer
So we pray.
We pray for the victims.
We pray for the Newsboys.
We pray for the fans.
We pray for Michael.
We pray for clarity, for restoration, and for a redemption story only God can write.
