Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams recently publicly slammed the Christian music industry after a s*x scandal that involved Michael Tait. The criticism was reported through statements on Hayley Williams’ Instagram and Michael Tait’s Instagram post.
Tait publicly confessed about accusations against him. He acknowledged his actions as sinful.
“I am ashamed of my life choices and actions and make no excuses for them,” Tait said.
“I will simply call it what God calls it – sin. While I might dispute certain details in the accusations against me, I do not dispute the substance of them.”
He continued his statement by addressing his path forward.
“Even before this recent news became public, I had started on a path to health, healing, and wholeness,” he said.
“I accept the consequences of my sin and am committed to continuing the hard work of repentance and healing – work I will do quietly and privately, away from the stage and the spotlight.”
Williams answered with a series of pointed criticisms posted to her Instagram stories. She targeted the industry’s handling of the situation.
“The amount of things I have to say and the amount of people I know who were likely changed forever by this man and by the industry that empowered/enabled him,” Williams wrote.
“And no one but the TikToker who broke this story has said a word about Michael Tait needing gay affirming support.”
She also expanded her criticism to address what she sees as systemic issues within the Christian music industry.
“Because this is a man who’s entire faith identity is built upon a faulty structure of self-hatred, to please a system that would rather cover up abhorrent behavior for 20+ years (and make money off of it) rather than accept that being gay is not the problem,” Williams continued.
Williams then concluded her statement with direct criticism of industry figures and a call for accountability.
“I grew up around this. I am not afraid of any of these people- most of them have written me off anyway by now,” she wrote.
“How many stories like this from this VERY small corner of the music industry will we hear before we realize that capitalising on people’s faith and vulnerability is the ‘sin.’ I hope the CCM industry crumbles. And fuck all of you who knew and didn’t do a damn thing. Bet I’ve got your number. And by the way, if you’re not angry too, then maybe it’s time to question why.”
The scandal has rocked the Christian music community. Tait holds a prominent position as one of the genre’s most recognizable figures.
