A woman has accused former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait of watching on as she was sexually assaulted by a member of the band's production team.
The woman, referred to as “Nicole” by investigative outlet The Roys Report, was a former staff member on the band's tour in 2014.
She alleged Tait gave her a spiked drink during a night out, after which she blacked out; hotel footage reportedly shows lighting technician Matt Brewer leading her to a room, with Tait later joining them.
In the report, Nicole detailed explicit memories of sexual acts occurring against her will in the bedroom, saying: “I remember Matt Brewer’s voice, and I remember [Tait] being in there.”
Nicole claimed she was left semi-conscious and disoriented, and was later found collapsed by her hotel room door by fellow tour members.
She said she initially declined a rape kit out of fear, but a later hospital visit confirmed she had been sexually assaulted.
The woman said Tait later approached her and said: “I’m a grown man who tours and sometimes I just have these urges and we all sin… I’ve prayed, and I’ve asked for forgiveness.”
Two witnesses said Tait admitted watching the incident, while tour manager Steve Campbell allegedly covered it up.
Nicole alleged that attempts to escalate concerns were dismissed, with one witness saying: “It felt like we were told not to meddle.”
Nicole filed a police report in Fargo weeks later, but no charges were brought.
Brewer denies wrongdoing, saying it was consensual, and claims he only recently learned of the report.
The Newsboys’ management has said it only became aware of the allegations this month and is launching its own investigation.
A spokesperson said: “This is an egregious scenario that we take very seriously. We will address it at every level.”
Nicole said she is not seeking to ruin careers, but wants to prevent abuse in the Christian music world:
“I’d love for the Newsboys to admit they were wrong," she said. "What if I was your daughter?”