Two months after shocking reports surfaced accusing Michael Tait of decades-long sexual abuse, the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) community is still reeling — and now, some alleged survivors are speaking out again. One of them claims the true number of victims could exceed a thousand.
In an emotional interview with People on Friday (Aug. 8), Shawn Davis — who says Tait drugged and raped him in 2003 — revealed he is actively helping build a legal case against the disgraced CCM star. Davis believes there could be over 1,000 victims in total. He also confirmed that the Brentwood Police Department in Tennessee is currently conducting an active investigation.
“We’re trying to do everything in our power to take him down,” Davis told People. “Ultimately, the goal is to see him go to prison. We need every single victim possible to come forward. They deserve to know they’re not alone, and they deserve to tell their story.”
Billboard has reached out to Brentwood Police for comment. Tait’s representatives have not responded.
Longstanding Allegations and Public Admission
Davis is one of several men who came forward in a June Guardian report, following a similar investigation by The Roys Report. Despite Tait’s public image as a Christian musician promoting abstinence and sobriety, both investigations detailed allegations that he groomed, drugged, and assaulted multiple people over many years while abusing drugs and alcohol.
Shortly after the reports were published, Tait issued a lengthy Instagram statement admitting that “recent reports of [his] reckless and destructive behavior” were “largely true.” He confessed to long-term cocaine and alcohol abuse and acknowledged touching men “in an unwanted sensual way,” calling his actions “sin” without offering excuses.
Tait claimed he has been in treatment since stepping down from the Newsboys in January and is now living a “clean and sober” life. The band later stated they were “horrified, heartbroken, and angry” to learn of the allegations.
Survivors Demand Accountability
Many of Tait’s accusers say his apology is far from enough. Randall Crawford, who alleges Tait drugged and assaulted him in 2000, believes the singer acted with a sense of invincibility.
“It was so traumatic. It did something to me spiritually, mentally, and physically,” Crawford shared. “I have to speak up — this is for the future generation and those scared to tell their stories. I want Michael to truly repent and not deny what he’s done.”
Jason Jones, another alleged survivor, called Tait’s public statement “hogwash,” claiming it was only meant to protect himself. Jones, a music manager, says he was “blacklisted” from the industry after accusing Tait of drugging and assaulting him in 1999.
Industry Reckoning and Call for Change
Some artists have already spoken out, including Paramore’s Hayley Williams, who publicly condemned the CCM industry for enabling predators. She expressed hope the genre would “crumble” in the wake of Tait’s alleged crimes.
Crawford echoed this sentiment:
“This is a problem. I want justice. I don’t want this to happen to another kid. It destroyed my career. I didn’t deserve this, and I have nothing to be ashamed of.”
The accusers continue to encourage others to come forward, hoping that the collective voices of survivors will lead to long-overdue justice.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for confidential support.
