NASHVILLE, TN — Christian music artist Rhett Walker has issued a strong statement following public allegations against former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait, calling for accountability for individuals but warning against condemning the Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) industry as a whole.

In a video posted to social media, Walker addressed growing backlash in some circles that has generalized Tait’s alleged misconduct to the entire CCM community. According to The Christian Post, Walker emphasized the need to separate individual wrongdoing from the broader mission of Christian musicians.

“If he did it, put him in jail,” Walker said. “But don't cancel Christian music. You don’t cancel an entire profession because of one person’s actions. If a plumber gets accused of something awful, we don’t cancel the entire plumbing industry.” (Christian Post)

Tait, who spent nearly 15 years with the Newsboys and was previously a member of DC Talk, departed the band earlier this year amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior. According to The Christian Post, Tait has since acknowledged the claims as “mostly true.”

Walker expressed frustration at critics who he believes are using the incident as a pretext to discredit all of CCM. “I see people—keyboard warriors—taking this as an opportunity to slam the entire industry,” he said. “But the fact is, there are artists out here who pray before shows, who read the Bible, who genuinely love Jesus, and who take this calling seriously.” (Christian Post)

He also pushed back against the notion that Christian musicians should not be compensated for their work, arguing that serving in ministry and earning a livelihood are not mutually exclusive.

“I have four kids to feed,” Walker said. “Yes, this is a ministry, but it’s also a career. We are out here using our gifts to proclaim Christ and also to support our families.” (Christian Post)

In his message, Walker urged audiences to respond to the situation with both discernment and grace. “Hold the guilty accountable. Expose what needs to be exposed. But also speak up for the good ones — the artists who are doing it right. They need your encouragement now more than ever.” (Christian Post)

The CCM industry, which spans decades of gospel-centered musical ministry, now finds itself once again at a crossroads — navigating the tension between transparency, public scrutiny, and its mission of hope.

As Walker concluded, “We can deal with this honestly and still move forward. But we can’t let one person’s fall become the story of us all.” (Christian Post)