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New and disturbing allegations have surfaced involving former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait during a 2014 tour stop in Fargo, North Dakota.
The Roys Report has published an investigative story that includes graphic content related to alleged sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.
A woman who worked with the Newsboys during their 2014 pre-Christmas tour says Tait drugged her and then watched while she was sexually assaulted by the band’s lighting technician.
The allegation is detailed in The Roys Report, which includes interviews with the woman and several witnesses, and is based on hotel security footage, medical records, and a police report.
9 men accuse Tait of wrongdoing, 2 while minors
The woman's account follows a series of sexual misconduct allegations involving Tait that have surfaced over the past two weeks.
On June 4, The Roys Report published its first exposé, in which three men accused Tait of sexual assault, along with years of drug and alcohol abuse.
Tait did not respond at the time but issued a written statement on June 10 titled My Confession, in which he admitted to what he called “reckless and destructive” behaviour.
He acknowledged long-term cocaine use, excessive drinking, and inappropriate sexual conduct with men, writing, “I do not dispute the substance of [the allegations].”
Then, on June 13, The Guardian published a follow-up investigation reporting that six more men had come forward. Two alleged Tait had sexually assaulted them, while four others described unwanted sexual advances or harassment.
According to the report, two of the alleged victims were minors at the time.
New details from 2014 tour stop
In the latest report of allegations published on June 19, The Roys Report outlines an incident that allegedly occurred midway through the Newsboys’ 2014 Christmas tour.
The woman says she joined Tait and several crew members for drinks at a Fargo hotel bar. When Tait offered her a tequila shot, she accepted, only to black out shortly afterward.
Security footage, which is included in the Roys Report story, shows her entering a hotel room with lighting technician Matthew Brewer after apparently having trouble walking down the hallway and not being able to enter her own room. Minutes later, Tait is seen approaching the room, entering, and remaining inside.
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The woman told The Roys Report she believes she was drugged and assaulted, and has only fragmented memories of the event. Medical records reviewed by the publication indicate she believes she was assaulted, and she later filed a police report.
She also claims that Tait later approached her at the next tour stop and tried to brush off the assault. “He pulled me aside and he initiated a conversation. And he went on and on and on about, ‘You’re my sister in Christ and I’m so sorry.'"
Brewer has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the encounter was consensual and that he was unaware of any police report until this month. Through his lawyer, he said he was “genuinely shocked” by the allegation.
Accusations of a cover-up
Multiple witnesses told The Roys Report they believed the incident was minimized and mishandled by longtime Newsboys tour manager Steve Campbell, who is the brother of the band’s owner. Campbell denies attempting to suppress the incident or any knowledge of criminal behaviour.
Tait, who stepped down from the band in January, has not responded to these latest claims. His earlier confession acknowledged he had been living a “double life” and sought treatment after leaving the group.
Newsboys management told The Roys Report they became aware of the 2014 police report on June 12 and have launched an internal investigation. They said disciplinary action will follow if any current affiliate is found to have been involved.