When that Michael Tait TikTok video went viral back in January, few could have predicted where it would lead. Six months later, allegations have emerged from eleven victims spanning over a decade, including minors. What started as a single social media post has developed into one of the most serious scandals in contemporary Christian music. With so much happening in recent weeks, this timeline presents an overview of events as they’ve unfolded.
January 15, 2025 – The Catalyst
TikTok Video Goes Viral: TikTok influencer Azariah Southworth posted a viral video claiming that Michael Tait was gay. The video received over 250,000 views before being removed by TikTok for “violent extremism” violations.
January 16, 2025 – Immediate Departure
Tait Steps Down from Newsboys: One day after the TikTok video, Tait announced he was stepping down from Newsboys after 15 years as lead singer with a vague explanation about “prayer and fasting.”
March 5, 2025 – Canadian Tour Canceled
Faith Live Canada cancels Newsboys’ upcoming tour, citing concerns related to Tait’s departure.
June 4, 2025 – First Major Investigation
The Roys Report Publishes Bombshell Investigation: Following a 2.5-year investigation, The Roys Report published detailed allegations from three men who claimed Tait groomed and sexually assaulted them in 2004, 2010, and 2014.
June 5, 2025 – Band Response
Newsboys Release Official Statement: The remaining band members expressed shock and claimed they had no knowledge of the specific allegations.
June 9, 2025 – Media Blackout Begins
K-LOVE Pulls Tait’s Music: The largest Christian radio network stopped playing Newsboys and DC Talk music featuring Tait.
June 10, 2025 – Public Confession
Tait’s Instagram Confession: Tait admitted the allegations were “largely true,” confessing to 20 years of cocaine and alcohol abuse and touching “men in an unwanted sensual way.”
June 13, 2025 – Major Media Investigation
The Guardian Publishes Comprehensive Report: Revealed additional serious allegations from 7 more men, including two who were minors (ages 13 and 16-17) when the alleged incidents occurred.
June 19, 2025 – Female Victim Comes Forward
The Roys Report Publishes Female Victim’s Account: A woman named “Nicole” (pseudonym) came forward alleging that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by Newsboys lighting technician Matthew Brewer while Michael Tait watched during a December 2014 tour stop in Fargo, North Dakota.
Key Details of the December 16, 2014 Incident:
- Nicole was 23, working as staff for Pulse Evangelism on The Reason Christmas Tour
- Extensive hotel video footage corroborates her account
- Police report filed but investigation was inadequately conducted
- Tait allegedly admitted guilt to Nicole and her colleagues, saying “I’m sorry” and “We all sin”
- Tour manager Steve Campbell allegedly covered up the incident, telling staff “it’s being handled”
- Brewer remained employed by Newsboys until 2021 and now works with For King & Country and Franklin Graham Ministries
Hospital Documentation: Nicole was treated at two hospitals and diagnosed with sexual assault. Her medical records show she was “concerned that there was a tampon inserted during the entire sexual encounter.”
Witness Testimonies: Multiple crew members and colleagues corroborated parts of Nicole’s account, including that they saw her collapse in the hallway and that Tait admitted to watching the assault.
June 23, 2025 – Newsboys Dropped From Label
Lead singer Adam Agee told a crowd Sunday night at a festival that the band has been dropped from their label, Capitol Christian Music Group. This comes three weeks after the release of their latest recording.
Summary of All Allegations to Date:
- 10 male victims (ages 13-29 at time of incidents)
- 1 female victim (age 23 at time of incident)
- 2 minors involved (ages 13 and 16-17)
- Incidents spanning 2001-2014
- Pattern of alleged drugging with multiple victims claiming they were secretly given substances
- Institutional cover-up involving tour management and potentially industry figures
- Ongoing employment of alleged accomplices in the Christian music industry
As this troubling story continues to unfold, the Christian music community finds itself grappling with serious questions about accountability, trust, and transparency. What started as a single viral TikTok post has grown into a complex investigation with significant implications for the industry. WorshipIdeas.com will continue to monitor the situation closely and update this timeline as new developments emerge.
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