Paramore's Hayley Williams has spoken out against Michael Tait, a founding member of DC Talk and leader of the Christian rock band Newsboys, following allegations of sexual assault and grooming of three men, as well as substance abuse against him.
In an investigation published by the Roys Report last week, the incidents are reported to have allegedly occurred between 2004 and 2014, with the allegations emerging after a two-and-a-half-year investigation.
Tait responded to the allegations in an Instagram statement posted on June 10, "For some two decades I used and abused cocaine, consumed far too much alcohol, and, at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way."
The statement continued, "I'm ashamed to admit that for years I have lied and deceived my family, friends, fans, and even misled my bandmates about aspects of my life. I was violating everything I was raised to believe by my God-fearing Dad and Mom, about walking with Jesus and was grieving the very God I loved and sang about for most of my life. By His grace, I can say that for the past six months, I have lived a singular life-one of utter brokenness and total dependence on a loving and merciful God." The implication is that he is repenting for not just the predatory behaviour but also for homosexual sex.
In a report published today by The Guardian that further details Tait's misconduct, Tait's abuse and drug use are described as "the biggest open secret in Christian music." Two of three of his alleged victims believe that Tait drugged them, and four other men have also described "inappropriate behaviour such as unwanted touching and sexual advances." Shawn Davis, of the men who accused Tait of drugging them, told The Guardian that "This man destroyed my life."
Williams, who has a background in Christian music, shared her thoughts on The Guardian's report in an Instagram Story today. She argued that "no one but the tiktoker who broke this story has said a word about michael tait needing gay affirming support. because this is a man who's [sic] entire faith identity is built upon a faulty structure of self-hatred, to please a system that would rather cover up abhorrent behavior for 20+ years (and make money off of it) rather than accept that being gay is not the problem."
Read her full statement below:
the amount of things i have to say and the amount of people i know who were likely changed forever by this man and by the industry that empowered/enabled him…. and no one but the tiktoker who broke this story has said a word about michael tait needing gay affirming support. because this is a man who's [sic] entire faith identity is built upon a faulty structure of self-hatred, to please a system that would rather cover up abhorrent behavior for 20+ years (and make money off of it) rather than accept that being gay is not the problem. grew up around this. i am not afraid of any of these people- most of them have written me off anyway by now. how many stories like this from this VERY small corner of the music industry will we hear before we realize that capatalizing [sic] on people's faith and vulnerability is the "sin". i hope the ccm industry crumbles. and fuck all of you who knew and didnt do a damn thing. bet ive got your number. and btw if youre not angry too then maybe its time to question why.
