Michael Tait: 16 Years of Alleged Cocaine Benders, Drugging & DUI

Michael Tait: 16 Years of Alleged Cocaine Benders, Drugging & DUI”]

 In the investigation titled “EXCLUSIVE: Michael Tait’s 16 Years of ‘Cocaine Benders,’ Drugging, and DUI: ‘I Don’t Know a Single Person… in CCM That Doesn’t Know,’” journalist Jessica Morris unveils allegations spanning nearly two decades against Michael Tait—former frontman of Newsboys and DC Talk.

1. DUI Incident Revealed

 Let’s start with the criminal history. In May 2009, Tait was arrested in Nashville for impaired driving. Police pulled over a Chevy Malibu and, upon failing sobriety tests, booked him on DUI charges. He pled guilty to reckless driving, paid a $7,000 bond, had his license suspended, and completed 30 hours of community service plus an alcohol safety course.

At this time, Tait was in transition from his solo career into joining the Newsboys, who were signed under Inpop Records, a Christian label founded by Peter Furler and later tied to EMI/Capitol Christian Music Group.

2. Allegations of Cocaine Benders and Ghosting Studio Sessions

 Musician Jeremy McCoy, who collaborated on the Newsboys’ Born Again album in 2010, recalled that Tait frequently disappeared on “cocaine benders,” often missing recording sessions for days on end. Meanwhile, McCoy claims he lost 25% of songwriting credit as royalties were split four ways instead of three.

That album, Born Again, was released in 2010 on Inpop Records, distributed through Capitol Christian Music Group, giving it major Christian radio and retail reach.

3. Accusations of Drugging and Sexual Assault

 Perhaps most disturbing are claims that Tait allegedly used drugs to incapacitate individuals and, in one horrifying instance, witnessed a lighting technician assault a woman while under the influence. The woman, who toured with the band in 2014, told TRR she believes Tait drugged her, aiding what she calls “the worst night of my life.” These allegations remain unverified in court.

At this point, Newsboys were still signed to Inpop/Capitol Christian, continuing to release hit singles that dominated Christian radio.

4. Lines of Accountability

 The Roys Report reveals six separate incidents between 2009 and 2025, suggesting that Newsboys’ management—especially owner Wes Campbell and tour manager Steve Campbell—may have known more than they’ve admitted. Both insist they were unaware of the abuse, with Wes describing Tait as “the picture of a redemption story.”

Meanwhile, their label history shows they had steady institutional support: Newsboys’ catalog has been tied to Star Song, Sparrow Records, and later Capitol Christian Music Group. But by June 2025, after the public confession and growing allegations, Capitol officially dropped the Newsboys.

5. Wider Fallout in CCM

 These new allegations come amid a growing wave of public accusations. Earlier in June, Tait himself posted a “My Confession” statement acknowledging two decades of cocaine and alcohol abuse and “unwanted sensual touching towards men.”

Police in Brentwood, Tennessee, have since launched a preliminary investigation into the allegations.

6. Summary Table

 These are stories that expose just how deep the crisis may run—raising critical questions about accountability, leadership, and justice within the Christian music industry.

That wraps today’s segment. Thanks for listening, and be sure to join us next time.