Former Christian music star admits drug-fueled 'double life'
Michael Tait, formerly of the bands Newsboys and DC Talk, took to Instagram on Tuesday to post what he called, "My confession."
"Recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse and sexual activity are sadly, largely true," Tait wrote. "For some two decades I used and abused cocaine, consumed far too much alcohol, and, at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way."
"I am ashamed of my life choices and actions, and make no excuses for them. I will simply call it what God calls it-sin," he said.
The singer went on to say that he left Newsboys in January to "get help."
Tait's words came nearly a week after a report from Christian investigative journalism outlet The Roys Report (TRR) with accusations dating back to 2004.
TRR says their investigation into Tait lasted 2.5 years and included interviews with "more than 50 sources." Two men said while they were 22 years old, Tait allegedly fondled their genitals after they had drunk alcohol with him.
Tait's former band posted their own statement on social media on June 5, saying the four members' "hearts were shattered" when they read the allegations.
"First and foremost, our hearts are with the victims who have bravely shared their stories. If you are a victim, we urge you to come forward. We absolutely do not condone any form of sexual assault," Newsboys wrote on Facebook.
"When he left the band in January, Michael confessed to us and our management that he 'had been living a double-life' but we never imagined that it could be this bad," Newsboys said.
Tait, 59, joined Newsboys in 2009. Prior to that, he was the lead singer for Christian rap trio DC Talk, according to the New York Post.
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- CBS News
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Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
This Couple's Multi-Day Wedding in California Ended With an Elevated "Alice in Wonderland"-Inspired Reception
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Up Next: The Ultimate Wedding Décor Checklist Read the original article on Brides Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
19 hours ago
- New York Post
Real-life witch reveals the one spell she refuses to cast: ‘It's wrong'
A real-life witch has revealed the one spell she refuses to cast – insisting 'it's wrong.' Lindsay Squire, 41, has been a practicing witch for nearly 18 years and casts spells for protection, money, abundance, self-love, prosperity, healing, banishing, and boundaries. Advertisement But there's one request she refuses to fulfill — love spells. Lindsay says she's frequently contacted by people wanting her to help them to get their crush to fall for them, but insists: 'It's wrong to try to make someone love you — they should want that themselves.' Lindsay says she rejects Hollywood stereotypes of witches – portrayed as 'Wicked Witch of the West-types' with green skin, warts, and a hooked nose – and says she practises a nature-based craft that focuses on intuition and tarot. 5 Lindsay Squire, 41, has been a practicing witch for nearly 18 years and casts spells for protection, money, abundance, self-love, prosperity, healing, banishing, and boundaries. Lindsay Squire / SWNS Advertisement As a 'green witch' — focusing on plants and nature — Lindsay refuses to perform 'manipulative' love spells, instead promoting realistic magic that supports personal growth. Lindsay, a witch and author, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, said: 'Would you want someone to do a spell on you to force your feelings? I won't cross that line.' 'I receive at least one message every day from someone on Instagram asking if I would cast a love spell for them, and it usually involves making someone fall in love with them in some form or another. 'This kind of magic is manipulative and unethical, and could be making someone do something they would not do unless the spell is cast upon them.' Advertisement 5 Squire refuses to cast love spells, saying that 'it's wrong.' Lindsay Squire / SWNS Lindsay says she spells magic with a 'K' at the end and said: 'This is the differentiate between witchcraft magick and the kind of magic that is used for entertainment purposes such as pulling a rabbit out of a hat or cutting a person in half.' Lindsay hopes to reshape public perceptions of modern witches. She first became a witch in 2008 after feeling 'a strong spiritual call to begin practicing witchcraft' after regularly seeing psychic mediums in her teens. Advertisement Lindsay describes her entry into the practice as motivated by a deep connection with the natural world rather than any notion of supernatural powers. 'It's not Harry Potter,' she said. 'It was my relationship with nature, the energy I felt there, that made me realise I was a witch.' For the first decade, she kept her witchcraft hidden 'in the broom closet' due to social judgment and a devout Christian partner. Her family and friends, however, were supportive. 'You want to tell people, but not everyone can. It's a big part of who you are,' she said. After that partnership ended in 2017, she publicly embraced her identity. Advertisement 'It was really liberating to say 'yes, I'm a witch' and not hide anymore,' Lindsay said. Her life soon changed, and she began sharing her knowledge on Instagram, where her audience grew rapidly. 'I started posting educational content about witchcraft to help people who felt isolated starting out,' she said. That outreach led to a book deal — an 'unbelievably lucky' break via a direct message. Advertisement 5 As a 'green witch' – focusing on plants and nature – Lindsay refuses to perform 'manipulative' love spells, instead promoting realistic magic that supports personal growth. Lindsay Squire / SWNS She has since written eight books and is working on a ninth, produced her own tarot and oracle decks, and authored a graphic novel about Irish folk witch Biddy Early. Her Instagram following has soared to over 500,000, and her days of anonymity have evolved into a platform for education and community. Lindsay said: 'My books are for beginners and those with a little more knowledge, but all draw from that feeling of wanting to make sure others don't have to feel as isolated as I once did.' Advertisement Despite her visibility, she guards the details of her spells closely. 5 'Would you want someone to do a spell on you to force your feelings? I won't cross that line,' Squire said. Lindsay Squire / SWNS 'Many witches don't like to talk about specific spells, because it lets other people's energy in, which could affect the outcome,' she said. Still, she shares her everyday rituals, including protection spells, daily visualizations, and the use of crystals and herbs. Advertisement She also performs spells for prosperity and mental health, always underlining that witchcraft is not a cure-all. 'You can't just cast a spell and expect things to change. You have to work toward your goals,' she said. Before writing became her primary career, Lindsay made much of her living as a tarot reader, preferring face-to-face sessions to sense someone's energy better. She charges £30 for an in-depth Celtic Cross reading and £10 for a three-card spread. 'I always wanted people to get value, not just a perfunctory reading,' she said. Beyond the spells and cards, she emphasises modern witches are ordinary people. Lindsay said: 'There are so many more witches than people realise, but many aren't open about it because of lingering stereotypes. 'We're normal. We have jobs, kids, friends.' Lindsay says she is a 'green witch' — focusing on plants and nature. 'There are traditional witches, folk witches, Wiccans, pagans. It's like the different branches of Christianity,' she said. 5 Lindsay Squire has since written eight books and is working on a ninth, produced her own tarot and oracle decks, and authored a graphic novel about Irish folk witch Biddy Early. Lindsay Squire / SWNS When asked about the 'dark side' of witchcraft, she is clear. 'Some witches do hex or curse, and there's a misconception that magic is black or white, good or bad,' Lindsay said. 'But magic, like nature, is about balance — there's beauty and cruelty.' She emphasises it is about empowering and supporting, rather than controlling or harming. She said: 'We're not what people expect — but maybe, through a bit more understanding, we can add just a little more magic to the world.'
