A Christian worship festival in the UK has removed the Newsboys from their lineup following allegations of sexual assault against former lead singer Michael Tait.

The U.S. Christian rock band had been scheduled to headline The Big Church Festival in Sussex.

In June, Tait admitted that some of the allegations against him were “largely true” and confessed to living a “double life” on and off stage. His statement followed an investigation by the Roys Report, in which three men alleged that Tait had acted in a sexually inappropriate manner while on tour and abused substances in 2004, 2010, and 2014.

Tait stepped down as lead singer of the Newsboys in January 2025, stating: “This decision does not come lightly and has been a shock even to myself, but amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision.”

In a statement shared online, Big Church Festival said the decision had been made “after thoughtful conversations with the Newsboys team.”

“Many of you may have heard the recent, deeply troubling news involving the former lead singer of the Newsboys,” the statement read. “We’ve decided they won’t be part of this year’s Big Church Festival.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who’s been hurt, whether recently or in the past, and we deeply respect the courage it takes to speak out during such a painful time.”

Worship singer Pat Barrett will now take the main stage on Saturday at the Wiston Estate. Barrett’s hits include “Build My Life,” “Morning by Morning (I Will Trust),” and “Way (New Horizon).”