Wes Campbell Resigns from GMA Board

Wes Campbell, the owner of News Boys, has stepped down from the Gospel Music Association (GMA) board in light of allegations that he may have hidden information regarding the band’s former lead singer, Michael Tate.

“Given the allegations surrounding Michael Tate and the recent allegations against me related to his time as a Newsboys frontman, I am submitting this letter to inform you that I have resigned from the board to avoid distraction,” he stated.

In his resignation letter, Campbell addressed vice-president Bill Reeves and GMA Foundation Chairman Zach Wamp, along with the other board members. He expressed his belief in the GMA’s mission, particularly its goal of building a Christian music museum, but noted that “it cannot be made clear that we will continue our current role in the near future.”

Recently, Tate admitted to having lived a double life, revealing that he had struggled with substance abuse and had also been involved in abusing a young man over the past two decades. Additionally, he reportedly witnessed a woman being raped during a 2014 News Boys tour.

Campbell also mentioned that his brother, Steve Campbell, was placed on leave following an internal investigation regarding what he knew about Tate’s activities while on the road.

“At the conclusion of the full investigation, we will provide a comprehensive report to GMA President Jackie Patillo,” Campbell said, commending her leadership. “[Jackie] demonstrates exceptional leadership in our industry. Her record of fairness and excellence speaks for itself. I will provide a report along with access to all staff for her to independently review our findings.”

In his statement, Campbell asserted that he had no prior knowledge of Tate’s actions and was truly taken aback when he learned about them.

“There have been rumors circulating about Michael over the years, but whenever such rumors surfaced, management and I could have met with Michael and hidden what he knew, fearing he might be blackmailed,” he explained. “He assured us that the rumors were unfounded, but without specifics, we couldn’t launch an investigation.”

Despite this, Campbell acknowledged having some awareness of Tate’s behavior, admitting that the former DC Talk singer had “lived a double life” and had left the group in January to seek treatment, although he was unaware of the extent of Tate’s issues.

“I’ll reiterate, we took that approach while Michael was undergoing treatment because we didn’t know how serious his behavior was behind closed doors or whether it posed a risk to anyone’s safety,” he emphasized. “Had we known the details as we do now, the response would have definitely been different.”

Related Articles: Michael Tate faces new serious allegations as the investigation continues.