Rhett Walker Responds to Michael Tait Controversy and Supports Integrity in CCM
In the wake of troubling revelations surrounding former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait, musician Rhett Walker has weighed in on the situation. Addressing critics he labels as “keyboard warriors” on social media, Walker pointed out that the contemporary Christian music scene is filled with dedicated, Bible-believing artists who seek Jesus sincerely.
Walker, a fellow artist associated with the same management team as the Newsboys and someone who recently shared the stage with the band in his hometown earlier this year, expressed his concerns online. “I wasn’t going to comment on the Michael Tait situation because it wasn’t my business,” the 38-year-old stated. “I didn’t know the full story, so now all I can say is if these allegations are valid, he deserves to go to jail.”
Tait, who led the Newsboys for over 15 years and was also part of DC Talk, abruptly left the band on January 16. Shortly after, multiple accusations emerged, alleging that he groomed, drugged, and sexually assaulted young men, including minors. Tait eventually admitted that much of what had been alleged was “largely true.” More recently, additional claims surfaced from a woman who said that during a 2014 tour she experienced rape while Tait watched.
Walker’s remarks went beyond addressing the allegations. He lamented the tendency of some to lash out at the entire Christian music industry instead of focusing solely on the misconduct. When high-profile figures, including Paramore’s lead singer, suggested that the industry should “crumble,” Walker countered by noting the abundance of passionate, faith-filled artists within CCM.
“I’m seeing many posts venting about how the CCM industry is only about money, and that everything here should just be scrapped in favor of making art,” Walker remarked. “Here’s my take: you can pursue art in another field if you want to avoid the CCM scene. For me, my calling is also my livelihood. I have bills to pay, and I expect others to understand that if a plumber were accused of wrongdoing, he should face consequences too. I’m certainly not about canceling an entire industry because of a few bad individuals.”
He continued, “Sin carries consequences, and it’s unhelpful to dismiss an entire scene because of those who act wrongly. Instead, we need to identify and call out bad behavior while still uplifting those who genuinely share the Gospel.”
Walker emphasized his identity not just as a performer, but as a believer, husband, and father. He stressed that although he is in the public eye, financial support for his work is essential—“I have four kids, and I need to earn a living,” he explained. Yet, he is quick to note that making a living does not diminish the purpose behind one’s work. He recalled how, even in school, mistakes by an individual did not justify condemning the whole class, suggesting that unjustly indicting an entire industry because of a few transgressions is similarly misguided.
He urged both fans and industry insiders to focus on celebrating the positive aspects of Christian music. “For those outside the industry, keep it in your prayers. And if you’re part of it, speak up on behalf of the good ones. Support those who faithfully convey the message of the Gospel,” Walker encouraged.
Walker concluded with a heartfelt reminder: “The real issue isn’t an industry—it’s a matter of the heart. Stand firm in your beliefs, put your trust in Jesus, and be unafraid to expose hypocrisy where you find it.”
In a related recent discussion, singer Natalie Grant highlighted that God is continually refining the CCM sphere. She assured that despite its flaws, the enduring truth of the Gospel will always bear fruit, reminding younger artists to remain committed to the “long road of obedience” and to avoid shortcuts that could detract from sincere artistic and spiritual growth.
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