Two months after studies alleging Michael Tait sexually assaulted a number of folks over the course of a long time rattled the Up to date Christian Music group, among the singer’s accusers are talking out once more — and one in every of them says he believes there may very well be greater than 1,000 different individuals who share their experiences.
In a susceptible interview with People revealed Friday (Aug. 8), Shawn Davis — who alleges that Tait drugged and raped him in 2003 — mentioned that he’s concerned in constructing a authorized case towards the disgraced CCM star, whom Davis believes has greater than 1,000 complete victims, in response to the publication. He additionally mentioned that the Brentwood Police Division in Tennessee is presently finishing up an lively investigation into Tait.
“We’re attempting to go this and do all the things we are able to in our energy to take him down,” Davis instructed Individuals. “In the end, in the long run, the objective is to see him go to jail. We’d like each single sufferer potential to return ahead. They should know that they’re not the one ones, and so they deserve to inform their story.”
Billboard has reached out to the Brentwood Police Division for remark. A rep for Tait couldn’t instantly be reached.
Davis was one in every of a handful of males who detailed allegations of sexual assault towards Tait in a June report from The Guardian, which adopted on the heels of the same investigation into the singer by The Roys Report. Regardless of Tait constructing his profession on releasing music that inspired abstinence and sobriety, each studies had been full of accusations that he had groomed, drugged and molested a number of folks whereas partaking in drug and alcohol use for a few years.
Quickly after they had been revealed, Tait responded to the allegations in a lengthy statement posted to Instagram. “Latest studies of my reckless and damaging conduct, together with drug and alcohol abuse and sexual exercise are sadly, largely true,” he wrote on the time. “For some twenty years, I used and abused cocaine, consumed far an excessive amount of alcohol and, at occasions, touched males in an undesirable sensual approach. I’m ashamed of my life selections and actions, and make no excuses for them. I’ll merely name it what God calls it — sin.”
Tait additionally famous that he had been looking for remedy since stepping down from his former band, the Newsboys, in January, including that he’s now dwelling a “clear and sober” life. (Following the studies, the remaining Newsboys members issued a statement saying they had been “horrified, heartbroken and offended” to study of Tait’s alleged conduct.)
His accusers, nonetheless, indicated to Individuals that they gained’t be happy till the singer is totally dropped at justice.
“Why does Michael do what he does? As a result of Michael thought he was invincible,” mentioned Randall Crawford, who alleges that Tait invited him over, roofied his drink and assaulted him whereas he was blacked out one night time in 2000. “It was so traumatic. It did one thing to me spiritually, mentally and bodily.”
“Take a look at the path of destruction that he’s left behind,” Crawford added. “I’ve to talk up. I’ve youngsters which might be the age of a few of these victims. That is for the long run era. That is for these which might be scared to talk up. I need extra victims to return ahead. I need Michael to search out true repentance and regret and really feel horrible and never deny what he’s performed to me.”
One other accuser, Jason Jones, instructed Individuals that he thinks Tait’s assertion following the Guardian and Roys Report investigations was “hogwash.” “I noticed nothing however safety for himself,” added the music supervisor, who claims he was “blacklisted” by his trade after claiming that Tait had drugged and assaulted him in 1999.
As the lads proceed to band collectively and communicate out about their experiences, Crawford mentioned he hopes different artists specifically will rise as much as condemn the star’s conduct. One in all them, Hayley Williams, already has; in June, the Paramore frontwoman said that she believes the CCM trade at massive is at fault for enabling predators, including that she hopes the style “crumbles” after listening to about Tait’s alleged crimes.
Crawford expressed one thing related. “It is a drawback,” he instructed Individuals. “I need justice. I don’t need this to occur to a different child. I’ve seen what it does. It destroyed my profession. I didn’t deserve this, what he did to me. I’ve held this disgrace for a few years, [but] I’ve nothing to be ashamed of.”
In the event you or somebody you understand has skilled sexual assault, you’ll be able to name the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).