Faith Over Fallout: Praise in the Pines Stands by Newsboys Amid Scandal Surrounding Ex-Frontman
In a bold and controversial move, organizers of the one-day Christian music festival Praise in the Pines in Eagle, Wisconsin, announced they will continue with the Newsboys as their headliner despite disturbing allegations against former frontman Michael Tait. The announcement came via social media, where the festival’s board of directors affirmed their commitment to the band, stating, “We choose love,” and expressing unity in their mission to “glorify God through music and worship.” While multiple festivals such as Lifest, Kingdom Bound, and Big Church Festival have dropped the group from their lineups following the scandal, Praise in the Pines has taken a markedly different stance, leaning into faith and forgiveness.
The controversy stems from recent allegations that Tait—who left the band earlier this year—groomed, sexually assaulted, and drugged young men while touring in 2014, and even witnessed the rape of a young woman without intervening. Additional reports allege that members of the band’s crew and management were aware of these incidents and did nothing. Yet, the current Newsboys lineup has distanced itself from Tait’s actions, and the festival board insists the band remains “dedicated to ministry” and is approaching the event “with humility, prayer, and steadfast focus on their calling.”
Praise in the Pines further doubled down in a follow-up post, declaring, “When faith is tested, grace responds,” accompanied by a statement from Craig Figgins, founder of Superior Business Systems, Inc., one of the event’s major sponsors. Figgins acknowledged the weight of the accusations but praised the festival’s leadership, saying their response reaffirmed his support. Quoting 2 Corinthians 12:9, he encouraged attendees to look beyond the headlines: “You have shown grace as God does… Even with the negative press, He is strong in our weakness.” With tensions rising and eyes watching, all attention now turns to July 19, when faith, music, and controversy will collide under the Wisconsin pines.
