Nearly two months have passed since allegations emerged accusing Michael Tait of sexually assaulting multiple people over several decades. Now, some of those who say they were victimized are speaking out again, and one alleges there could be over 1,000 individuals with similar stories.
In an open-hearted interview with People published August 8, Shawn Davis—who claims Tait drugged and raped him in 2003—explained that he’s collaborating on a legal case against the former CCM star. Davis believes the total number of victims may exceed a thousand and confirmed that the Brentwood, Tennessee, Police Department is actively investigating.
“We’re doing everything in our power to hold him accountable,” Davis told People. “Ultimately, our goal is to see him brought to justice. We need every survivor to come forward so they know they’re not alone and can share their stories.”
Billboard has reached out to the Brentwood Police Department for comment. Representatives for Tait have not yet responded to requests for statement.
Davis was among the men named in a June investigation by The Guardian, following a similar exposé from The Roys Report. Despite Tait’s image as a champion of abstinence and sobriety, both articles detailed claims that he groomed, drugged and molested several individuals while abusing drugs and alcohol over many years.
After those reports were published, Tait released a lengthy statement on Instagram acknowledging most of the accusations. He admitted to “reckless and destructive behavior,” including decades of cocaine use, excessive drinking and “unwanted sensual touching,” calling his actions “sin” and expressing remorse. He also said he stepped away from the Newsboys in January to seek treatment and is now “clean and sober.”
Still, his accusers say they won’t rest until Tait faces legal consequences. Randall Crawford, who alleges Tait roofied and assaulted him in 2000, told People, “He thought he was invincible. The trauma affected me spiritually, mentally and physically.” Crawford added, “I have children the same age as some of these victims. I want future survivors to see that speaking up matters.”
Another man, Jason Jones, dismissed Tait’s public apology as “self-preservation” and said he was blacklisted in the industry after accusing the singer of assaulting him in 1999.
As these survivors unite to amplify their voices, some artists have already spoken out. In June, Paramore’s Hayley Williams criticized the CCM community for enabling predators and said she hopes the genre “crumbles” in light of these revelations.
Crawford concluded, “This is bigger than me. I want justice so no one else has to endure this. I’ve carried shame for years, but I have nothing to be ashamed of.”
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
