Michael Tate, the Grammy-winning Christian rock artist, has acknowledged that the allegations of substance abuse and sexual misconduct against him are “almost true.”
Previously the lead singer of Newsboys and DC Talk, Tate shared insights about his life, stating he lived a double life where he allegedly engaged in substance abuse and inappropriate behavior toward young men. This admission came through a post on Instagram titled “My Confessions – June 10, 2025.”
In his post, the 59-year-old expressed, “The recent reports of my reckless and destructive behavior involving drugs, alcohol, and sexual activity are sadly largely true.” He mentioned using cocaine and drinking excessively for about two decades, admitting to touching men in unwanted ways.
Tate conveyed feelings of embarrassment regarding his choices and emphasized that he does not excuse his actions, labeling them as sin. “I can only be responsible for myself,” he said.
A report released on June 4 included accounts from 50 individuals, with three men describing Tate’s intrusive behavior in their early twenties. These men recounted instances where Tate allegedly provided them with drugs or alcohol and subsequently crossed boundaries.
The report indicated that Tate grew close to several individuals during tours, including those from different years—specifically 2004, 2010, and 2014.
Tate noted that he abruptly resigned from Newsboys in January, citing the burden of leading a double life. He claimed he was both physically and mentally healthy, yet felt a need to address the issues he had been concealing.
After spending six weeks in a treatment center in Utah, he remarked on how it helped him avert “ultimate destruction.” He reflected on a deceptive career where he hid his struggles with drugs and his personal life from colleagues and loved ones.
Expressing regret, he said, “I feel embarrassed to admit that I’ve been lying and deceiving my bandmates and others in my life.” He contrasted his two lives, explaining he wasn’t the same person off-stage as he was on it.
The current members of Newsboys—Jodie Davis, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, and Adam Age—voiced their heartbreak over the allegations, stating their thoughts are with the victims. They urged those affected to come forward, stressing their zero tolerance for sexual assault.
The band acknowledged they were aware of Tate’s “double life” but were shocked by the extent of his actions.
Tate is a four-time Grammy Award winner, having received accolades for Best Rock Gospel Album. He joined Newsboys in 2009 after co-founding DC Talk, which was active from 1988 to 2001.
Following the allegations, Newsboys and DC Talk’s music was removed from K-Love, the leading Christian radio network in the U.S.
A spokesperson for K-Love confirmed their knowledge of the allegations and expressed their prayers for those involved while announcing the removal of the related music from their programming.
Tate revealed he is on a path toward repentance and has initiated healing efforts with professionals and family. “I’ve hurt many people in numerous ways, and I will carry that shame with me,” he shared. He expressed hope for forgiveness, reflecting that perhaps only God might offer complete absolution.
