Just weeks after Christian music superstar Michael Tait issued a public apology on his social media platforms, the Brentwood Police Department is now asking potential abuse survivors to come forward.
As Premier previously reported, several men have accused Tait of sexual assault since The Roys Report first reported that he assaulted three men between 2004 and 2014. Since that initial report, more alleged victims have spoken out, including Evanescence co-founder Jason Jones.
Jones initially told The Guardian that he met Tait in the early 1990s as a fan. He said Tait helped him and Evanescence secure meetings with prominent figures in the music industry, which enabled the group to rise to prominence.
Jones also claimed that during this period, Tait confided in him about living a double life as a “closeted gay man". In one incident in 1998, Jones said he had been drinking at Tait’s home, became tired, and was told to sleep in Tait’s bedroom. When he awoke some time later, he alleged that Tait was performing oral sex on him.
Jones stated that he was dismissed from Evanescence after speaking up about the alleged incident at Tait’s home.
“It destroyed me,” Jones told The Guardian. “I was achieving my dreams at an early age, and Tait changed all that.”
A spokesperson for Brentwood Police told The Tennessean that the department is aware of the allegations against Tait but would not confirm whether an official investigation will be launched.
“We take these allegations seriously and want to speak with anyone, especially potential victims, who has knowledge about this situation,” spokesperson Charles Booth told the publication.
At present, Tait has not been charged in connection with any of the allegations.