Former Newsboys Singer Michael Tait Faces Criminal Investigation
A mounting legal and moral crisis continues to unfold for Michael Tait, former frontman of Newsboys and DC Talk. Shawn Davis, who alleges that Tait drugged and raped him in 2003, is actively pursuing criminal charges through the Brentwood Police Department in Tennessee. A preliminary investigation is now underway. (Christian Post, Wikipedia)
A Call for Justice
Davis told People magazine:
“We’re trying to head this and do everything we can in our power to take him down. Ultimately, in the end, the goal is to see him go to prison. We need every single victim possible to come forward. They deserve to know that they’re not the only ones, and they deserve to tell their story.” (Christian Post, People.com)
Additional Allegations Surface
Two more men—Randall Crawford and Jason Jones—have come forward with disturbing experiences from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Crawford alleges:
“I have no proof that he drugged me, but I took a drink and I was out… I blacked out. I came to, and he had me on the counter… he had my pants pulled down to my ankles… He had me propped up and he’s licking my anus. I was like, ‘Dude, what are you doing?’” (Christian Post, People.com)
Reflecting on the long-lasting internal damage, Crawford added:
“It was so traumatic. It did something to me spiritually, mentally and physically… This is for those that are scared to speak up. I want Michael to find true repentance and remorse.” (Christian Post, People.com)
Jason Jones, who managed Evanescence at the time, claims:
Tait “encouraged him to sleep in his bed after a night of drinking,” and he “awoke multiple times to Tait on top of him before losing consciousness.” Jones says he confided in Ben Moody—who allegedly confronted Tait—and soon after was fired. (Christian Post, People.com)
Both men criticized Tait’s public statement:
- Jones called it “hogwash.”
- Crawford dismissed it as a “weak confession.” (Christian Post, People.com)
Tait’s “Confession” and Public Fallout
In June 2025, Michael Tait released a statement titled “My Confession,” acknowledging years of substance abuse and non-consensual behavior:
“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.” (New York Post, People.com, Wikipedia)
He continued:
“While I might dispute certain details in the accusations against me, I do not dispute the substance of them… I am ashamed… I will simply call it what God calls it—sin.” (New York Post, People.com, Wikipedia)
Tait said he had spent six weeks in a Utah treatment center and confessed to living a “double life.” (New York Post, People.com, Wikipedia)
In the aftermath, the remaining members of Newsboys expressed they were “horrified, heartbroken, and angry,” claiming they had been deceived for years. (Christian Post, People.com, Wikipedia) Additionally, several Christian radio networks, including K-Love, have pulled Airplay of both Newsboys and DC Talk music. (New York Post, Wikipedia)
Why This Matters for Your Music Blog
- Humanizes the victims—These quotes give voice to survivors and underscore the emotional and psychological toll.
- Maintains journalistic integrity—Using direct quotes from primary sources ensures credibility and avoids misrepresentation.
- Balances story and tone—You can deliver a thoughtful, respectful account without sensationalism.
Suggested Headline Ideas
- “Michael Tait Accuser Seeks Criminal Charges: ‘The Goal Is to See Him Go to Prison’”
- “Survivors of Michael Tait Speak Out: ‘It Was So Traumatic… I Want True Repentance’”
- “Michael Tait’s Confession Met with Accusations of Minimizing Assault as Victims Continue to Come Forward”
