Christian music star Michael Tait, known for hits such as 'God's Not Dead', has been accused of sexually assaulting three men, according to a Guardian investigation. Two of the accusers say they believe they were drugged by the 59-year-old singer in the early 2000s. Four other men have alleged inappropriate behaviour, including unwanted touching and sexual advances.
The allegations come days after Tait posted a statement on Instagram admitting to 'leading a double life' for 20 years, involving alcohol and cocaine abuse, and 'at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way'. He described his actions as 'sin' and said he had started 'on a path to health, healing, and wholeness'.
One accuser, Shawn Davis, claims Tait pushed him to consume alcohol and cocaine on multiple occasions, and believes he was secretly drugged and molested in 2003 while still a minor. Another, speaking under the pseudonym Gabriel, alleges Tait plied him with alcohol and cocaine before groping him in a hot tub. A third, named Adam, claims he woke up to find Tait molesting him after being drugged at the singer's home.
Tait, a founding member of DC Talk and later frontman for Newsboys, has sold 18 million albums. His public image as a wholesome role model contrasts sharply with the alleged behaviour, which sources describe as 'the biggest open secret in Christian music'. Tait did not respond to the Guardian's questions about the allegations.
