Newsboys Sue the Roys Report After Michael Tait Allegations

Newsboys Sue the Roys Report After Michael Tait Allegations ![rw-book-cover](https://img.youtube.com/vi/gbU523kZQBo/maxresdefault.jpg) 🔗 **Source:** [Newsboys Sue the Roys Report After Michael Tait Allegations](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbU523kZQBo&t=1208s) > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: #christian-music #newsboys #defamation #investigative-journalism #sexual-abuse > author: Julie Roys > source: The Roys Report Podcast > reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbU523kZQBo > date created: 2024-12-19 14:30 > > # 🏷️ Title: Newsboys Sue The Roys Report After Michael Tait Allegations >  ## 🧰 Action Inbox - [H1] Support independent Christian journalism facing legal threats — donate to Roys Report #journalism - [H2] Monitor legal proceedings in Tennessee District Court — defamation case developments #legal - [H3] Examine power dynamics in Christian music industry — wealth disparity in legal battles #christian-music ## 🧭 Table of Contents - [[#📝 Summary]] - [[#📖 Main Content]] - [[#🗒️ Notes]] - [[#📚 References]] - [[#🗣️ Paraphrase]] - [[#📰 Newsletter]] - [[#✅ Action Items]] - [[#🧪 Hypotheses]] - [[#📊 Methodology]] - [[#❓ Questions]] - [[#🔮 Future Research]] - [[#💡 Implications]] - [[#🧠 Learning Styles Assessment]] - [[#📊 Accessibility Assessment]] - [[#🌍 DEIB Assessment]] - [[#✅ Logical Validity]] - [[#🛡️ DARVO Analysis]] - [[#🎯 Conclusion]] ### 🔗 References - [The Roys Report](https://royreport.com) - [Donate to Roys Report](https://royreport.com/donate) ## 📝 Summary - The Newsboys filed a 250-page lawsuit against The Roys Report, Julie Roys, reporter Jessica Morris, and over two dozen other CCM industry figures - The suit alleges defamation and conspiracy related to Morris's 2.5-year investigation into sexual abuse allegations against former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait - Timing coincides with The Roys Report winning Religion News Story of the Year award for the investigation - The lawsuit represents a David vs. Goliath battle between wealthy defendants and an independent news organization with under $1 million budget - Legal action exemplifies the retaliation threats that kept abuse allegations buried for years ## 📖 Main Content The Newsboys, led by owner Wes Campbell, have filed an extensive defamation lawsuit in Tennessee District Court targeting The Roys Report's groundbreaking investigation into sexual abuse allegations within the Christian music industry. The lawsuit names over two dozen defendants including major CCM artists like MercyMe and Bart Millard, alleging a vast conspiracy to damage the band's reputation and steal business opportunities. Reporter Jessica Morris spent 2.5 years investigating allegations against former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait, interviewing over 50 sources who alleged sexual assault and organizational cover-ups. The investigation culminated in articles published in June 2025 and February 2026, with Tait subsequently releasing a public confession admitting to cocaine addiction and "unwanted sensual touching of men." The lawsuit particularly challenges a headline about a woman ("Nicole") who accused Tait of drugging her and watching while she was raped, with tour manager cover-up alleged. Plaintiffs claim the story was false because a police report characterized the encounter as "consensual," though Morris's reporting noted the woman disagreed with that characterization and linked directly to the police report. The legal action comes just days after The Roys Report won the Religion News Association's Religion News Story of the Year award, beating outlets like NBC for the investigation's excellence. The timing highlights the contrast between professional recognition and legal intimidation tactics. ## 🗒️ Notes #### ⏱️ [00:00](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=0) — [H1] Lawsuit Filed Against Roys Report - Key idea: Newsboys filed defamation suit against Roys Report and dozens of CCM industry figures - Evidence: "250 page lawsuit in Tennessee District Court against the Roys Report, me and our reporter Jessica Morris" #### ⏱️ [02:15](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=135) — [H2] Investigation Background and Threats - Key idea: 2.5 year investigation faced persistent lawsuit threats that kept sources silent - Evidence: "Over a 2 and a half year period, Jessica interviewed more than 50 sources" #### ⏱️ [04:30](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=270) — [H3] Industry Support Despite Legal Action - Key idea: CCM artists and crew members privately supporting the reporting despite being named as defendants - Evidence: "There have been a lot who actually reached out to me privately off record...saying 'We're praying for you. We back you'" #### ⏱️ [07:45](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=465) — [H2] Legal Strategy and Preparedness - Key idea: Roys Report deliberately prepared for potential lawsuits through rigorous fact-checking - Evidence: "We made you go back and corroborate...we know this sort of thing can happen" #### ⏱️ [12:20](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=740) — [H1] Conspiracy Theory Allegations - Key idea: Lawsuit portrays journalists as controlling entire CCM industry in coordinated conspiracy - Evidence: "Makes the two of you seem like incredibly astute organizers of the entire CCM industry...controlling everything that's going on anywhere in Nashville" #### ⏱️ [15:30](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=930) — [H2] Award Recognition Timing - Key idea: Religion News Association awarded Story of the Year just before lawsuit filing - Evidence: "We were awarded the Religion News Story of the Year by the Religion News Association...First place to the Roys Report" #### ⏱️ [20:15](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=1215) — [H3] Tait's Public Confession - Key idea: Michael Tait admitted to cocaine addiction and sexual misconduct after first article - Evidence: "Michael actually released on his social media what he termed my confession where he admitted to struggling with cocaine addiction and to the unwanted sensual touching of men" #### ⏱️ [25:45](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=1545) — [H1] Police Report Dispute - Key idea: Lawsuit centers on interpretation of "consensual" in police report that reporter challenged - Evidence: "The officer assigned to the case is clear in the report that consensual is his word...He does not say that she said it was consensual" #### ⏱️ [28:30](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=1710) — [H2] David vs Goliath Financial Reality - Key idea: Independent news organization with under $1M budget facing opponent worth tens of millions - Evidence: "He's talking about in this lawsuit about a deal where he lost a $50 million contract...Our budget is under $1 million" #### ⏱️ [30:00](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=1800) — [H3] Call for Community Support - Key idea: Grassroots funding needed to defend against wealthy opposition's legal intimidation - Evidence: "We need your help. We need your support...going to royreport.com/donate" ## 📚 References - [The Roys Report](https://royreport.com) - [Religion News Association](https://rna.org) - [Guardian reporting by Josiah Hessie](https://theguardian.com) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase - An extensive defamation lawsuit targets The Roys Report and dozens of Christian music industry figures over investigative reporting about sexual abuse allegations against Newsboys frontman Michael Tait - The legal action exemplifies how wealthy defendants use litigation threats to silence abuse reporting, despite the investigation winning professional journalism awards - The case highlights power imbalances where independent journalists with limited resources face opponents worth tens of millions willing to deploy extensive legal resources ## 📰 Newsletter The Newsboys organization has filed a massive defamation lawsuit against The Roys Report and over two dozen Christian music industry figures, claiming conspiracy over reporting on sexual abuse allegations. This comes just after the investigation won Religion News Story of the Year, highlighting how legal intimidation can follow even award-winning journalism. For WordPress professionals, this case demonstrates the importance of legal preparedness when publishing sensitive content, proper source protection, and the value of thorough documentation practices that can withstand scrutiny. Resources: [Legal Guidelines for Publishers](https://wordpress.org/documentation/), [Content Management Best Practices](https://developer.wordpress.org/), [Security Hardening](https://wordpress.org/support/article/hardening-wordpress/) ## ✅ Action Items #### DevRel - Education: Develop workshops on legal risk assessment for content creators - Developer experience: Create documentation templates for sensitive reporting - Community management: Establish support networks for independent publishers facing legal challenges #### Community - Contributors: Support press freedom advocacy organizations and legal defense funds - Sponsors: Provide transparent funding for investigative journalism initiatives - Ecosystem: Coordinate cross-platform support for independent media under legal threat #### WordPress - Documentation: Create legal compliance guides for publishers and journalists - Security: Enhance protection features for sensitive content and source materials - Community: Develop mentorship programs connecting experienced publishers with emerging independent media ## 🧪 Hypotheses - Extensive multi-defendant lawsuits are primarily intimidation tactics rather than viable legal strategies - Award recognition from journalism peers provides credibility defense against defamation claims - Wealth disparity in legal battles creates systemic silencing of abuse reporting - Public confession by accused parties undermines subsequent defamation claims ### 📊 Methodology - Analyze legal filing patterns in defamation cases against journalists - Track correlation between journalism awards and subsequent legal challenges - Document resource requirements for defending complex defamation suits ### ❓ Questions - How can independent media organizations prepare financially for potential defamation suits? - What legal protections exist for sources who provide information to investigative journalists? - How do wealth disparities affect access to justice in defamation cases? ### 🔮 Future Research - Legal precedent analysis for conspiracy-based defamation claims against journalists - Financial sustainability models for independent investigative journalism organizations - Source protection techniques in high-risk reporting environments ### 💡 Implications - Practice: Independent publishers need legal defense fund planning from inception - Policy: Press freedom protections may need strengthening against intimidation lawsuits - Security: Source protection becomes critical when facing extensive legal discovery - Funding: Grassroots support models essential for media independence under legal pressure ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment Reading level estimate: 12th grade #### 👀 Visual learners - Present: Award ceremony video, lawsuit document excerpts - Improve: Timeline graphics showing investigation development, organizational charts of defendants #### 🔊 Aural learners - Present: Full podcast interview with multiple perspectives - Improve: Legal expert commentary, source interview excerpts where appropriate #### 🗣️ Verbal learners - Present: Clear definitions of legal terms, journalism ethics explanations - Improve: Analogies explaining defamation law, comparison with similar cases #### 🧩 Kinesthetic learners - Present: Step-by-step investigation process description - Improve: Interactive timeline of events, document analysis exercises #### 🧠 Logical learners - Present: Legal strategy analysis, financial impact calculations - Improve: Decision trees for legal defense options, risk assessment frameworks #### 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social learners - Present: Multiple interview participants, community support discussion - Improve: Discussion guides for journalism ethics, peer support networks #### 🧘‍♀️ Solitary learners - Present: Individual reflection on journalism ethics and courage - Improve: Personal assessment tools for publication risk, individual action plans #### 🌿 Naturalistic learners - Present: Ecosystem metaphors for media landscape and power structures - Improve: Pattern recognition in legal intimidation tactics, systemic analysis ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment #### Screen reader semantics - Present: Clear headings, timestamp links, proper list structures - Improve: Descriptive link text for external references, table summaries where needed #### Keyboard navigation - Present: All interactive elements accessible via keyboard - Improve: Skip links for long content sections, focus indicators #### Contrast and readability - Present: High contrast text formatting - Improve: Ensure legal document quotes maintain readability standards #### Text resizing and reflow - Present: Responsive design for mobile access - Improve: Ensure embedded media scales appropriately #### Media and captions - Present: Transcript provided for full podcast content - Improve: Chapter markers for easier navigation, searchable transcript #### Forms and interactions - Present: Simple navigation structure - Improve: Clear calls-to-action for support options ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment #### Cultural breadth - Present: International perspective with Australian reporter - Improve: Multiple cultural contexts for press freedom issues #### Inclusive language - Present: Respectful treatment of abuse allegations and legal processes - Improve: Plain language explanations of legal terminology #### Neurodiversity support - Present: Clear structure with consistent formatting - Improve: Content warnings for sensitive material, summary boxes #### Representation - Present: Female journalists in leadership roles, diverse source base - Improve: Multiple perspectives on industry power dynamics #### Psychological safety - Present: Respectful handling of sensitive abuse allegations - Improve: Resources for those affected by similar issues ### ✅ Logical Validity #### Strong reasoning - Deductive strength: Legal precedent analysis supports defense confidence - Inductive strength: Pattern recognition in intimidation tactics across multiple cases - Causal reasoning: Clear connection between wealth disparity and legal intimidation effectiveness - Analogical strength: David vs Goliath comparison apt for resource disparity #### Fallacies - Appeal to authority: RNA award used appropriately as credibility indicator, not proof of truth - Ad hominem: Avoided attacking plaintiffs personally while critiquing tactics #### Tone of voice - Overall tone: Serious but determined, emphasizing factual preparation over emotional response ### 🛡️ DARVO Analysis - Deny: Lawsuit denies abuse allegations despite Tait's public confession - Attack: Characterizes professional journalists as "tabloid" conspiracy operators - Reverse victim/offender: Portrays wealthy music organization as victim of grassroots journalism - Emotional cues: "Destroyed ministries" language designed to evoke sympathy for powerful defendants ## 🎯 Conclusion This case represents a critical test of press freedom in religious communities, where wealthy organizations increasingly use legal intimidation to silence abuse reporting. The contrast between professional recognition and legal retaliation demonstrates the courage required for investigative journalism in powerful institutional settings. The outcome will likely influence future reporting on abuse within religious organizations and the sustainability of independent Christian journalism. ## 🧱 Refactor Appendix ### 📚 Literature Split Pad Purpose: Stage CEE units that become Literature notes. Split level: H3 ### [H1] Defamation lawsuits increasingly target investigative journalism > [!quote] [Newsboys Sue The Roys Report After Michael Tait Allegations](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo) by [[Julie Roys]] via [[The Roys Report Podcast]]. Published 2024-12-19. Accessed 2024-12-19. > "The threat of this kind of ungodly retaliation is precisely why the truth about Michael Tate and the News Boys remain buried for so long." Demonstrates systematic use of legal intimidation to suppress abuse reporting in religious contexts. [view highlight](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=180) #xref #articleseed ID:rw_defamation_intimidation ### [H2] Wealth disparity creates unequal access to justice > [!quote] [Newsboys Sue The Roys Report After Michael Tait Allegations](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo) > "He's talking about in this lawsuit about a deal where he lost a $50 million contract...Our budget is under $1 million." Illustrates how financial resources become weapons in legal battles against independent media. [view highlight](https://youtu.be/gbU523kZQBo?t=1710) #xref ID:rw_wealth_disparity ### 🔖 Atomic Split Pad (Zettel Candidates) Purpose: Promote reusable claims into Atomic notes. Split level: H4 #### [Z1] Extensive multi-defendant lawsuits signal intimidation tactics - Scope: 250-page complaint naming dozens of defendants suggests strategic intimidation - Pointer: Multiple industry figures named as --- ## Full Transcript [00:03] The news boys are suing the Roy. I'm [00:06] Julie Roy, founder of the Roy, which is [00:09] both the name of this podcast and our [00:11] independent online news site. And last [00:13] night, I learned online that the News [00:15] Boys filed a lawsuit in Tennessee [00:17] District Court against the Roy, me and [00:20] our reporter Jessica Morris. I still [00:23] haven't been served, but I saw the post [00:25] on the News Boy's Instagram yesterday [00:27] announcing the lawsuit. My phone also [00:30] started blowing up as people began [00:31] texting and instant messaging me. And [00:34] thank you so much for those of you who [00:36] reached out said you're you're praying [00:37] for us and you support us. Um those [00:40] messages mean an awful lot. So thank you [00:42] so much. But it's not just us who are [00:45] being sued. The once mega popular band [00:47] is also suing more than two dozen [00:49] companies and individuals in [00:51] contemporary Christian music including [00:53] Mercy Me and Bart Mard. According to the [00:56] lawsuit, the Royports groundbreaking [00:58] reporting on alleged sexual abuse by [01:01] former News Boys front man Michael Tate [01:03] was part of a vast conspiracy to defame [01:06] the band and steal business. If you [01:09] followed our reporting, you know that [01:10] Jessica Morris was the reporter who [01:12] broke this huge story for us. Over a 2 [01:15] and a half year period, Jessica [01:16] interviewed more than 50 sources. These [01:19] included multiple men and women who [01:21] alleged they were assaulted by people [01:23] associated with the News Boys. These [01:25] sources also claimed officials in the [01:27] news boys organization knew about the [01:29] misconduct but covered it up. However, [01:32] the lawsuit claims that our publication [01:35] uh of quote defamatory articles [01:38] destroyed the ministries of West [01:39] Campbell and the four musicians [01:41] comprising the news po. If you're not [01:44] aware, Wes Campbell is the owner of the [01:46] News Boys. So, since this has become a [01:48] legal matter, I need to be careful about [01:50] what I say. But I will note that the [01:53] threat of this kind of ungodly [01:55] retaliation is precisely why the truth [01:58] about Michael Tate and the News Boys [02:00] remain buried for so long. And joining [02:03] me today to talk about some of that is [02:05] our reporter, Jessica Morris. So, [02:07] Jessica, welcome. It's a pleasure to [02:10] have you join me. [02:11] >> Oh, thank you for having me today. I [02:13] wish it was under circumstances, but I'm [02:15] still glad to be here with you. [02:17] >> Yeah. Well, I do too. Um, but I'm glad [02:20] that you could join us kind of on last [02:22] minute notice. And I know you are still [02:24] based in Australia and so this is kind [02:27] of uh what is it early morning for you [02:30] right now? [02:31] >> Yeah, it's about 7:30 in the morning. [02:33] But like you, my phone just blew up. I [02:36] think for the last 12 to 24 hours, I [02:39] haven't been asleep overnight. I've been [02:42] had phone calls and texts all night. So, [02:44] I completely understand and I also [02:46] really appreciate the support that we've [02:48] received from so many people in the [02:50] music industry. [02:51] >> Yeah. And you are hearing from a number [02:53] of people, you know, I'm hearing mostly [02:55] from friends and other reporters um who [02:58] really have our back, which is really [03:00] heartening in in situations like this. [03:02] But you're actually hearing from a lot [03:04] of musical artists that are part of CCM. [03:07] And I should mention, I mean, this [03:09] lawsuit so comprehensive. I mean, [03:10] there's so many people being sued. I [03:12] mean, it's like half of CCM. So, but [03:14] you're hearing from these folks and [03:16] they're saying, "We're behind you." Am I [03:18] right? [03:20] >> Yeah. So, I think with contemporary [03:22] Christian music, it's not just the [03:23] artist that that is part of it. It's [03:26] also crew members, it's songwriters. Uh [03:28] there are so many people behind the [03:29] scenes. And so, there have been a lot [03:31] who actually reached out to me privately [03:33] off record after the initial Tate [03:35] stories broke just saying that they were [03:37] supporting us. Uh, and they c they came [03:39] back after this lawsuit came saying, [03:41] "We're praying for you. We back you. [03:43] Thank you for doing this." [03:46] >> Well, also joining us today is our [03:48] lawyer, Christine Jones, who also serves [03:50] on the board of the Royy's Report. [03:52] Christine is a wonderful person to have [03:56] uh to have your back in situations like [03:58] this. And Christine, I'm just so glad [04:00] that you can join us as well. So, [04:02] welcome and looking forward to [04:04] discussing this with you as well. [04:06] >> Thanks for having me, Julie. You and [04:07] Jessica sure know how to jin up a story [04:09] here cuz uh you're not the only one [04:11] whose phone was blowing up overnight. [04:14] You think I think all of us were [04:15] probably sleepless last night. That was [04:17] enjoyable conversations. [04:20] >> Yeah. Yeah, they were. I mean, not the [04:22] best of circumstances. Even though, you [04:25] know, I feel like we're prepared for [04:27] something like this. Um we're always [04:29] aware that whenever we publish stories, [04:31] this is a possibility. Um there's a lot [04:34] of people who want to suppress what we [04:36] are publishing and we always know that [04:38] we have to get all of our facts straight [04:40] and these stories which I will say we [04:43] worked you worked tremendously hard [04:45] Jessica I give kudos to you first you [04:48] worked tremendously hard over again two [04:51] and a half years and but we pressed you [04:54] on things we made you go back and [04:56] corroborate or oh you got a hole here or [04:59] you and the reason we do that is we know [05:01] we know this sort of thing can happen. [05:04] Um, but you worked extraordinarily hard [05:06] as did um, Julia Dean, one of our [05:09] editors and um, I edited these pieces as [05:13] well and it was really um, it was a team [05:17] effort and and you know I'm going to say [05:20] a little bit about what happened this [05:22] weekend, but before I do because this [05:24] weekend the timing of this whole thing [05:26] is crazy. So I I will get to that in [05:28] just a second. But Jessica, as you were [05:30] reporting this story, I know you faced [05:34] an awful lot of sources telling you they [05:38] were terrified. And I know again, we [05:41] have to be careful about what we say, [05:43] but this threat of a lawsuit [05:48] was persistent. And like you didn't [05:50] think you were going to get the story, [05:51] I'm sure, a lot of times because people [05:53] are like, I'm terrified, right? I mean, [05:56] I don't want to put words in your mouth, [05:57] but I I walked some of this with you, so [06:00] I remember this. [06:01] >> Well, I think there's there's multiple [06:03] reasons this took two and a half years, [06:05] but a really significant one is because [06:07] people were so scared to speak up. Even [06:09] speaking to me off record, having a [06:12] preliminary conversation, people would [06:14] say to me that felt risky to them. Um, [06:17] and so I would say that this this [06:20] lawsuit, this kind of lawsuit is [06:23] precisely what people were afraid of. [06:27] Yeah. Well, now we're living what their [06:29] their worst nightmare, right? It's [06:31] getting sued. Um, but I have found when [06:34] truth is on your side, I've been sued [06:36] once before and it wasn't the end of the [06:38] world. And in fact, uh, at the end of [06:41] that lawsuit, it was dismissed and all [06:44] of my legal fees were paid and then some [06:46] because, you know, uh, we had our facts [06:49] straight and we were able to prove in [06:51] that case that it was a it was a [06:53] frivolous lawsuit. And the minute we [06:54] threatened to do that, they said, "How [06:56] can we make it right?" And so I am [06:59] hopeful that we will have that same kind [07:02] of situation. Um because we also have uh [07:06] a wonderful lawyer in in Christine. And [07:08] for those who don't know Christine's [07:10] background, she was the original uh [07:12] general counsel and vice president at [07:13] GoDaddy and has served with some pretty [07:16] impressive law firms as well. And we're [07:20] just thrilled that um that you're on our [07:23] side. So, thank you, Christine. And I [07:25] and I just want to ask you as you looked [07:27] at this lawsuit, it's like almost a 250 [07:29] page lawsuit. Um, you were also up [07:32] reading late last night trying to get [07:34] your your arms around this whole thing. [07:36] Um, I was up reading just trying to [07:38] understand it. I mean, I was honestly [07:40] I'm just like, wow, I'm I'm I'm having [07:42] trouble understanding this conspiracy [07:44] that I'm apparently a part of. Um, but [07:48] as you looked at that, you know, what's [07:50] kind of your your gut feeling on again, [07:53] there's so many people named as [07:56] defendants in this lawsuit and it's [07:58] really long. [08:00] >> Yeah. I mean, obviously, we're not going [08:01] to litigate the merits of the claim or [08:04] the complaint in the press. None of us [08:05] are ever inclined to do that. I will say [08:09] typically having been a litigator for [08:12] many many years, a few decades now, the [08:16] longer the complaint typically the the [08:19] less well founded the the claims are [08:22] because if it takes you 250 pages to [08:25] explain something, you're probably [08:26] explaining too much. Um, this particular [08:30] complaint makes the two of you seem like [08:34] incredibly astute organizers of the [08:37] entire CCM industry. I'm very impressed, [08:40] frankly, to to be on your side here [08:42] because you apparently are controlling [08:43] everything that's going on anywhere in [08:44] Nashville. So, congratulations on that. [08:47] >> Um, [08:48] >> well, thank you. Yeah, it was hard to [08:50] pull that off. [08:50] >> It was very hard to pull that off, I'm [08:52] sure. you know, [08:53] >> yeah, [08:53] >> the the conspira the conspiracy piece of [08:56] it is really perplexing, right? Because [08:59] it pulls people from all sorts of [09:01] different roles to Jessica's point, [09:02] right? You're talking about artists and [09:04] promoters and nonprofits and journalists [09:07] and somehow all of these people tied [09:09] together to to ruin the the business [09:11] interests of the main the main pliff [09:13] here. So, you know, proving that kind of [09:16] a conspiracy is even more difficult than [09:18] the 2 and 1/2 year investigation that [09:21] Jessica just went through to get people [09:23] to tell this story in the first place [09:24] because frankly, [09:26] we don't see any facts that back up the [09:30] conspiracy that's alleged. So, you know, [09:32] proving that is very difficult. I'll [09:34] also say, you know, we we had been made [09:38] aware that there were some grumblings [09:40] around some of the claims that were in [09:42] the article that you guys published and [09:45] we attributed all of those to sources [09:48] and corroborated all of the claims that [09:51] had been made and yet they still came [09:54] with this lawsuit. So I think in the end [09:57] what we're going to find out is that [09:58] they had been planning this for a very [10:00] long time and it just turned out that [10:02] maybe the articles that were published [10:04] by the Roy report were the lynch pin [10:06] that they needed to sew it all together [10:08] somehow in this you know conspiracy [10:10] theory. I mean look we talk about [10:12] conspiracy theories and politics. This [10:14] actually is one [10:17] >> for sure. Well, and I mentioned that the [10:20] timing is is I mean, you couldn't have [10:24] planned this uh better in some ways. Um, [10:27] just this past weekend, I was in Atlanta [10:29] representing Jessica and the rest of the [10:31] Royy's Report because we were awarded [10:34] the Religion News Story of the Year by [10:38] the Religion News Association. Huge, [10:41] huge kudos to you, Jessica, for winning [10:44] that award. um phenomenal award to win [10:48] and we are um by our association with [10:51] you and having the joy of you know [10:53] getting this to publication um receiving [10:55] that as well and so we're just [10:57] extraordinarily grateful um to the [11:00] religion news association um but it I [11:04] was not thinking that we would get sued [11:06] at the time that I went there and and [11:08] received this and again I wished you [11:10] could have been there in person because [11:13] you deserve to be there in person but [11:15] and kind of a long trip from Australia [11:17] and coming into the United States from [11:19] another country can be a pretty tricky [11:21] thing especially in our current [11:22] geopolitical situation but um I was able [11:26] to be there along with Daniel Sllamon uh [11:29] one of our reporters and editors so that [11:32] was wonderful and also Ruth Malhhatra [11:34] who is a former um former whistleblower [11:38] for uh that exposed so much of Robbie [11:41] Zacharias international ministries and [11:43] also one of our board members She lives [11:45] in Atlanta and she was able to join us [11:46] as well. Um, but we were thinking of [11:49] you. Uh, but as I received this award, I [11:52] mean, it's it's interesting. Christine, [11:54] you got some nods in here, too. Uh, we [11:56] got video of it because Ruth is amazing. [11:59] She can both shoot pictures and video at [12:02] the same time, and she's really great at [12:04] doing it. So, I would like to play um [12:07] just the reception of this award, which [12:10] again kind of uncanny that we were [12:15] just about to get this lawsuit uh filed [12:17] against us when we received this award. [12:21] >> I am not Jessica Morris. I'm Julie Roy, [12:25] founder of the Royport, but I am so [12:27] honored to accept this award on [12:30] Jessica's behalf. And for those of you [12:33] who are wondering who on earth or what [12:35] on earth is the Royport, [12:37] um we are an independent news site that [12:41] uh was launched about 7 years ago. So to [12:45] be here today uh in this position with [12:48] religion news story of the year I mean [12:51] it's it's just I can't even tell you how [12:53] affirming it is um when you are [12:55] reporting as we do on abuse and [12:58] corruption within the Christian [13:00] community and specifically uh the [13:03] evangelical community primarily um it [13:06] doesn't make you really popular and you [13:09] get called a lot of names and a lot of [13:12] disparaging remarks about your work and [13:15] so to receive this from colleagues um [13:18] other journalists again incredibly [13:21] affirming and it means a lot to us. So [13:23] thank you so much and Jessica I wish she [13:27] was here to accept this herself. She is [13:31] uh based in Australia and couldn't make [13:33] the journey here, but she is an [13:36] absolutely delightful human being, a [13:39] delightful Christian, and somebody who [13:42] spent over two years investigating this [13:45] story. And so for her, um I had the joy [13:49] of being able to I think did you call me [13:52] and told me about this? And then I had [13:54] the joy of calling her. She was asleep [13:56] at the time because of the time [13:58] difference, but to be able to call her [13:59] and say, "Jessica, you just won." And it [14:04] was it was huge to her. Um because [14:07] again, this was a labor of love for her. [14:10] She didn't get a lot of money for it. Um [14:12] it it took her to places where I think [14:16] other journalists have been afraid to [14:17] go. Um and she did it with, you know, [14:21] threat of lawsuit and threat, you know, [14:24] you you've received the cease and desist [14:27] uh letters. And we got a letter just [14:29] recently actually um related to this [14:32] story. Uh and we're very grateful to [14:35] have a board member who happens to be um [14:38] one of the well, she was the original [14:40] general counsel for GoDaddy. So, we're [14:42] very thrilled that she is working uh as [14:45] as um as a board member. But it's really [14:48] great to have an attorney who does this [14:51] out of love. And her name is actually [14:53] mentioned in some comments that Jessica [14:56] gave me to read for you. [15:01] Thank you for this honor, Religion News [15:03] Association. It is a privilege to accept [15:05] Religion Story of the Year among such [15:07] talented peers. I wish I could be here [15:10] in person, but I'm grateful for my [15:12] colleagues at the Royport uh can accept [15:15] this on my behalf. In November 2022, I [15:19] was asked to report on allegations of [15:21] deep corruption in contemporary [15:23] Christian music, particularly involving [15:26] Michael Tate and the News Boys [15:28] organization. I was not the first person [15:30] asked to do this. Today, I honor the [15:33] people within Christian music who [15:35] previously spoke up and the reporters [15:37] who tried to write this story long [15:38] before it reached me. This award is [15:41] dedicated to the survivors and my [15:43] sources, to those named publicly and the [15:45] many who remain anonymous, particularly [15:48] my original source. I honor your [15:51] courage. You risked your livelihoods, [15:53] your community, and in some cases, your [15:55] safety to speak with me. It has been the [15:58] greatest honor of my life, stewarding [16:01] your stories. There were days I heard [16:03] about such evil that I lost hope for [16:05] reform in the Christian music industry. [16:08] In those times, my sources reminded me [16:11] that good always overcomes evil. Their [16:14] resilience drove me to approach the Roy [16:16] report so we could finally bring what [16:18] was hidden into the light and hopefully [16:21] create systemic change. Thank you, Julie [16:24] Royce, Julia Dean, Daniel Sllamon, [16:28] Christine Jones, she's our attorney, and [16:31] the board and team at the Royport for [16:34] having the audacity to say yes to this [16:36] investigation. [16:38] You showed courage and integrity, [16:40] refusing to bow to the status quo. I [16:43] also honor Josiah Hessie for his [16:45] incredible sidebyside reporting at the [16:47] Guardian. It wasn't necessarily popular [16:50] to report on the fall of Christ of a [16:52] Christian music monolith. However, some [16:56] media outlets found the courage to share [16:58] our investigation early on, namely Mike [17:00] Tom at CHVN Radio, Justin Sarichic at [17:04] Ratzilla, Aiden Grant at 96.3 FM in [17:08] Australia, Jesse T. Jackson at [17:11] churchleaders.com, [17:12] and Mike Posper and Steve Taylor on the [17:15] bulletin podcast. [17:17] Thanks to those in Christian music who [17:19] also publicly and privately supported [17:21] me. Lastly, it's imperative I thank my [17:25] community in Galong, Australia. To my [17:27] family, mentors, and my church [17:29] community. You remain steadfast in [17:32] support and prayer despite not knowing [17:34] the details of my investigation. I [17:37] believe this was finally published [17:39] through the Royport because God was at [17:41] work. A God of justice who suffers with [17:44] the victim and refuses to let evil [17:46] parade as good. He was my sustainer, my [17:50] help, and my compass. As a Christ [17:53] follower and as a journalist, it's an [17:56] honor to accept this award in a room [17:58] filled with incredible reporters and [18:00] storytellers. We each tell sacred and [18:03] important stories that change culture. [18:06] May we never ever give up. [18:10] >> Thank you. [18:13] >> Thank you for reading that, Julie. I [18:15] appreciate it. That was beautiful. [18:18] That's the first time I've heard that. [18:19] That was lovely. [18:21] >> Yeah, wasn't it? I such a great [18:23] acceptance speech and I just felt so [18:25] proud to be able to do it for you and it [18:27] was kind of fun just playing it now and [18:29] watching your face. [18:30] >> Um yeah, it just it was a really special [18:32] moment and um I had so many people come [18:36] up to me and and even say that that [18:39] acceptance speech how powerful that was. [18:42] So, [18:43] >> um, yeah, it really was beautifully [18:44] written and, um, but again, this story, [18:49] religion news story of the year. I I [18:51] want to mention, too, a lot of people [18:53] think this is just like a a Christian [18:55] association. It's not at all. Religion [18:57] News association includes all the [18:58] religion reporters, both secular, [19:01] Christian, Muslim, Buddhist. We had a [19:03] the woman who won the Lifetime [19:04] Achievement Award, I think, reported on [19:06] atheism or something. So, it's an [19:08] interesting Yeah, it's an interesting [19:09] group. Third place went to NBC. [19:12] >> Incredible. [19:12] >> Second place went to Moment magazine. [19:15] >> First place to the Royport. It was I [19:18] Yeah. I mean, amazing. [19:19] >> And And it's funny as as I was reading [19:21] this this whole lawsuit, they they [19:24] repeatedly called us the tabloid. And [19:26] I'm like, really? Because we just won [19:30] first place in this. I don't think that [19:32] would be awarded to a tabloid for a [19:36] story that again we were recognized by [19:40] our peers not by um not by anyone else. [19:43] I mean this is what journalists they the [19:45] judges are all seasoned journalists who [19:48] who judge on this. So uh again crazy [19:52] crazy timing that this this would happen [19:55] when it did. Um, but you can tell uh the [19:59] fact that you mentioned our lawyer. I [20:01] mean, we knew the whole entire time. We [20:03] knew the whole time um that this was a [20:06] possibility and we also knew, Christine, [20:08] that you had our back. So, um [20:10] >> yeah, I guess the complaint's going to [20:11] have to be amended uh to add RNA now [20:14] because they're clearly part of the [20:15] conspiracy here. [20:16] >> Oh, right. [20:18] >> Of course, of course. Um, but I do think [20:21] that this is a powerful moment for the [20:23] Royport and for for Julie as an [20:26] individual journalist who's been [20:28] plugging away at these stories for, you [20:29] know, nearly a decade now. For a person [20:32] like Jessica who takes a real real risk [20:35] both personally and professionally to [20:37] track down a story for two and a half [20:38] years that you may or may not get [20:40] published. I mean, this speaks a lot to [20:42] the the incredible integrity of the [20:45] publication, but also just to the need [20:48] for this kind of journalism, the fact [20:50] that other outlets decided not to [20:52] publish this because whatever, they were [20:54] afraid of the repercussions. They don't [20:56] have the wherewithal to defend a lawsuit [20:58] like this. It really speaks well. And [21:01] you know, I think it's important to make [21:04] the distinction here, Julie, between [21:08] your former uh claim of being a [21:10] low-level blogger and a bottom feeder, [21:13] and now you've risen to the level of a [21:16] tabloid. Maybe once upon a time, you [21:18] know, at some point in the future will [21:19] actually be a a real publication. But [21:22] all of that, all of that aside, [21:25] >> at a high level, the claims that are [21:27] alleged alleged against the organization [21:29] and against you two individually are [21:32] that you published and republished false [21:35] and defamatory statements about this [21:38] story that goes back, you know, for at [21:39] least a decade, allegations of essay and [21:44] drugging and a massive cover up, right? [21:47] while allegedly leaving out information [21:50] that the plaintiffs say pointed to the [21:53] opposite conclusion, pointed in the [21:54] other direction. [21:56] This is abjectly false. [21:59] And we know, Julie, because you and I [22:01] journeyed through this together and and [22:03] and read some of the the backup, [22:05] listened to a lot of recordings, read a [22:06] lot of first party [22:08] >> statements. We know that this is just [22:10] simply not the case. And not only that, [22:13] but to suggest that Jessica did this, [22:16] that you did this, that the Roy report [22:18] did this with actual malice [22:22] >> is in some kind of coordinated effort to [22:26] tie up the this grand conspiracy of of [22:29] competitive um challenge in the [22:32] Nashville area. You know, generally the [22:34] Christian music area is so false and so [22:39] misleading that you you can't even [22:42] really take it seriously except that [22:44] it's now sitting in a court of competent [22:46] jurisdiction in the Central District of [22:49] Tennessee and we're going to have to go [22:51] defend it. And you know what? We're [22:53] going to go defend it. [22:56] >> 100% 100% we will. And uh I feel quite [23:01] confident in in how things will turn out [23:04] because I know we did our homework and I [23:06] know we worked really really hard. Let [23:09] me just I'm I'm going to read part of [23:10] the lawsuit just so people can see it. [23:13] Um it is online, but uh I'm going to [23:16] just put it up here and so people can [23:18] see this is what is being alleged [23:21] against us. And again, we can't go into [23:23] the particulars of it. we do not want to [23:25] um be accused of or to do um any kind of [23:30] litigating in the press or public at [23:32] this point. But let me read this um and [23:34] we'll give give you guys a chance to uh [23:38] respond to it. It says, "In this case, [23:40] Wes Campbell and the four musicians [23:42] comprising the Christian musical artists [23:44] known as the News Boys, their family, [23:46] and the ministries they have dedicated [23:48] their lives to build have been destroyed [23:50] by the actions of the defendants, [23:52] including their publication of [23:54] defamatory articles fueled by [23:56] competitors with anti-competitive [23:58] motives. These actions were not [24:00] isolated, but part of a coordinated [24:02] scheme involving anti-competitive [24:04] misconduct, misappropriation of [24:06] confidential information, contractual [24:09] breaches, and the dissemination of [24:11] statements known to be false, and there [24:13] appears to be no end in sight. The [24:15] plaintiffs must thus turn to the courts [24:17] to set forth the truth in a fair and [24:19] impartial forum, as opposed to [24:21] continually battling untrue rumors [24:23] circulated with impunity by tabloids, [24:26] there we go, and competitors. In brief [24:29] summary of the facts set forth in this [24:31] complaint on June 19th, 2025, the Roy [24:35] report, a tabloid that protect proclaims [24:37] itself to be a watchdog over the [24:39] Christian world, published a false and [24:41] defamatory article concerning the [24:43] plaintiffs, a copy of which is attached [24:45] as exhibit one. They published a second. [24:48] But by the way, that exhibit one, that [24:51] first uh article, [24:54] Michael Tate himself came out with a [24:57] statement. Correct. [24:58] >> I was going to make that point when you [25:00] finished. Yeah, that's right. [25:01] >> Yeah. Uh, just concerning that [25:03] particular article, Jessica, fill us in. [25:06] What What did Michael say? Okay. About [25:08] that article. [25:10] >> So, the first article that came out was [25:12] on June 4, and that was the allegations [25:14] that over a period of 10 years, uh, [25:17] Michael Tate had sexually assaulted [25:20] three different men. Uh now after that [25:23] on I believe it was June 10, Michael [25:25] actually released on his social media [25:27] what he termed my confession where he [25:29] admit it admitted to struggling with [25:32] cocaine addiction uh and to the unwanted [25:36] sensual touching of men. Uh and [25:38] following that we actually had the [25:40] fallout where uh the news boys stopped [25:44] being played on radio as much. They were [25:47] they lost some of their bookings. And [25:49] then came the Guardian article with more [25:52] allegations. Then our June 19 article, [25:55] which is what they address right here, [25:57] saying that we're part of conspiracy. [26:00] >> Yeah. And interesting, the Guardian [26:02] wasn't wasn't sued. Um but yes, that is [26:05] exactly what happened. And so then we [26:09] published or they uh published a second [26:11] related defamatory article concerning [26:13] the plaintiffs on February 12th, 2026, a [26:17] copy of which is attached as exhibit [26:19] three. Together they are called the [26:21] articles. The defamatory articles were [26:24] written by defendant Jessica Morris. The [26:26] publisher and editor-inchief of the Roy [26:27] report is Julie Roy who approved their [26:29] publication. The Roy report, Julie Royce [26:32] and Morris are herein sometimes [26:33] collectively called the defam defamation [26:36] defendants. The articles concerned an [26:39] event alleged to have happened almost 11 [26:42] years earlier. The headline of the first [26:44] defamatory article read as follows and [26:46] every word of it was false. And there's [26:49] the headline. Woman accuses Michael Tate [26:51] of drugging her and watching while she [26:52] was raped. Uh says News Boy's tour [26:55] manager covered it up. Now, [26:58] interestingly, [27:00] it's interesting to me that this becomes [27:02] the it wasn't the first article that [27:05] became sort of the lynch pin of this [27:07] lawsuit. It's this other article um [27:10] involving again this woman who says she [27:13] was drugged uh and and raped and and [27:18] that Michael Tate was there in the room [27:21] watching this whole thing. Now, the what [27:25] I'm gonna keep reading this because [27:27] there is uh some we'll see where they're [27:30] kind of hanging their their hat on on [27:33] this particular article where they say [27:35] it's false. The article spread through [27:37] the Christian community. It told a [27:38] devastating but false story. Members of [27:40] the Christian community reacted to the [27:42] article as if the story was factual. But [27:44] this complaint demonstrates that the [27:46] story the article told was not true. [27:49] Contemporating it, police reports, video [27:52] evidence from the hotel itself, and the [27:54] accuser's own prior statements tell a [27:57] totally different story. One that was [27:59] intentionally hidden from the public. [28:01] The woman, the defamation defendants [28:04] identified in the articles, was given [28:06] the pseudonym Nicole. Although the [28:08] headline of the article repeatedly [28:10] proclaim proclaimed Nicole had been [28:12] raped, Nicole told the police in Fargo, [28:15] North Dakota, three short days after the [28:17] events there that her encounter with [28:20] Matt Brewer in Fargo was quote [28:23] consensual. In other words, there had [28:25] been no rape. Further, the evidence [28:26] conclusively showed the defamation [28:28] defendants knew there had been no rape. [28:32] They had the police report yet printed [28:34] it anyway. The question of why they [28:36] reported this story when they knew it [28:38] was false is in part what this suit will [28:42] reveal. So something I want to note here [28:45] is that our story actually uses the word [28:49] consensual and we cite the police report [28:51] and note that the woman disagreed with [28:54] the characterization in that police [28:56] report when it said consensual. And in [28:58] fact the officer assigned to the case is [29:01] clear in the report that consensual is [29:03] his word. He wrote that the woman agreed [29:06] with the hypothetical statement that he [29:07] made uh about what would have been [29:10] consensual. He does not say uh that she [29:13] said it was consensual. Am I [29:16] understanding that correctly, Jessica? [29:19] >> Absolutely. That is what Nicole told me [29:21] and that is what we wrote. So [29:25] I you know it's interesting to base an [29:27] entire case off of one thing in a police [29:30] report like that. Um, I don't know if if [29:35] you can speak to that at all, um, [29:38] Christine, but I mean, we we I I don't [29:42] see that we hit anything. We actually [29:44] linked to the police report itself. [29:47] >> Yeah. And I think that's the thing that [29:48] gives the credibility to this particular [29:50] section of the reporting is Jessica is a [29:54] very honest reporter. She says the [29:56] things that help and the things that [29:57] don't help because they're the truth. [29:58] And at the end of the day, that's what [30:00] you're after is the truth. linking out [30:02] to that police report was very helpful [30:04] here. Although this may be the crux of [30:07] the claim, they do say that literally [30:10] every single word in the headline of [30:13] that story is false. Well, I mean, [30:16] surely not every single word is false, [30:18] right? So, you do have some built-in [30:21] hyperbole here. You do have some [30:22] exaggeration. [30:24] >> Judges tend not to love that, right? uh [30:27] the the statements in a complaint are [30:29] are meant to be factual and and [30:32] sustainable or substantiatable. So I I [30:35] think that's probably something that [30:36] we'll see focused on both from the Roy [30:40] report defendants and other defendants. [30:42] But the the thing about reporting and [30:45] I'm not a journalist, okay? I've just [30:46] watched you do it a lot, is if at the [30:49] end of the day you are collecting [30:51] information and you're substantiating it [30:53] and corroborating it and you publish it, [30:55] it's true and that's an absolute defense [30:58] uh to most claims. So I feel pretty good [31:00] about that. [31:03] >> Well, as I said, we don't want to [31:05] litigate this in public. So, we will [31:09] keep our our podcast short because I [31:12] figured that's probably the best way we [31:14] can keep from getting ourselves into [31:16] trouble. But, uh, again, we're facing uh [31:20] a pretty formidable uh opponent here in [31:24] West Campbell. This is a man who whose [31:27] wealth I mean millions I mean I I don't [31:31] know tens of millions uh probably would [31:34] be I mean he's talking about in this [31:36] lawsuit about a deal where he lost a $50 [31:39] million contract. So this is you know [31:42] the kind of money we don't have at the [31:43] Royport. Our budget which you can go on [31:46] our donation page you can go and look [31:48] our budget is under $1 million. if we [31:51] had $50 million, we could fund this work [31:54] for 50 years, but we don't. Um, and in [31:56] fact, uh, when we encounter things like [32:01] this, it it takes resources. And so, I [32:03] just want to say as as we go to close [32:05] here, um, we need your help. We need [32:09] your support. We are up against, as it [32:13] normally is, it feels like a David and [32:15] Goliath type thing. and and we've got [32:16] our our our sling and our one smooth [32:19] stone and we're doing the best we can uh [32:22] to tell the truth and just expose the [32:25] evil that's out there. But there is um [32:28] there is a machine that is up against [32:30] us. And I've talked an awful lot about [32:31] this evangelical industrial complex and [32:34] it's I I hate to say it, but it's just [32:36] absolutely evil. And and we're in the in [32:41] the front the front lines right now. And [32:44] so, um, we can use your help, folks. We, [32:47] those of you who sent us those [32:49] encouraging notes, again, thank you. We [32:52] appreciate it and we will try to keep [32:54] you posted as developments happen with [32:57] this lawsuit, but we do need your help. [33:00] I know even just this month, we're a [33:02] little bit behind um, in just our normal [33:05] budget, but we'll also, you know, we're [33:08] obviously going to probably exceed our [33:10] budget. So if you want to help us, this [33:13] is the way you can do it. And if you [33:14] want to see this kind of independent [33:16] Christian [33:18] integrous reporting happening, the way [33:21] to do it is just by by praying for us. [33:25] Absolutely. Praying for us. We covet [33:27] those prayers. Um but also going to our [33:29] donate page and helping us out that way. [33:32] And what we have done is primarily [33:34] grassroots and we have not done big [33:37] fundraising campaigns or anything like [33:39] that. We don't hire big polished [33:41] fundraisers. We just come to you because [33:44] you're the people who care about the [33:47] abuse and corruption and supporting the [33:49] victims. And so if you'd like to help [33:51] us, just go to royreport [33:53] risport.com/donate. [33:57] That's roysreport.com/donate. [34:00] Um and you can give us a gift that way [34:02] uh to help support us. Um please [34:04] continue praying for us. Sign up for our [34:06] newsletter so that you can uh be on top [34:09] of all the developments. And uh pray for [34:12] Christine as she uh battles for us in [34:16] this legal arena and for Jessica who [34:19] took a big risk, a big risk to to do [34:22] this report this story. We're so proud [34:24] of you, Jessica. Um just really did a [34:28] wonderful job. Um but thank you for [34:31] those of you who are listening. We [34:32] really appreciate appreciate your [34:34] support and uh God bless you.  📄 **Full text:** ![[Full Document Contents/Articles/Newsboys Sue the Roys Report After Michael Tait Allegations.md|Newsboys Sue the Roys Report After Michael Tait Allegations by YouTube]] ## Highlights - the lawsuit claims that our publication uh of quote defamatory articles destroyed the ministries of West Campbell and the four musicians comprising the news po. If you're not aware, Wes Campbell is the owner of the News Boys. So, since this has become a legal matter, I need to be careful about what I say. But I will note that the threat of this kind of ungodly retaliation is precisely why the truth about Michael Tate and the News Boys ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01kqf9k2tzqgmce4eggfg278fk)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - who actually reached out to me privately off record after the initial Tate stories broke just saying that they were supporting us. Uh, and they c they came back after this lawsuit came saying, "We're praying for you. We back you. Thank you for doing this." >> Well, also joining us today is our lawyer, Christine Jones, who also serves on the board of the Royy's Report. Christine is a wonderful person to have uh to have your back in situations like this. And Christine, I'm just so glad ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01kqf9k2v87g27gpd23kvc5kxa)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - first place in this. I don't think that would be awarded to a tabloid for a story that again we were recognized by our peers not by um not by anyone else. I mean this is what journalists they the judges are all seasoned journalists who who judge on this. So uh again crazy crazy timing that this this would happen when it did. Um, but you can tell uh the fact that you mentioned our lawyer. I ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01kqf9k2xd2rqeyeckexhsxpym)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - that you published and republished false and defamatory statements about this story that goes back, you know, for at least a decade, allegations of essay and drugging and a massive cover up, right? while allegedly leaving out information that the plaintiffs say pointed to the opposite conclusion, pointed in the other direction. This is abjectly false. And we know, Julie, because you and I ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01kqf9k31b8a9n667qbvayrtt5)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - complaint on June 19th, 2025, the Roy report, a tabloid that protect proclaims itself to be a watchdog over the Christian world, published a false and defamatory article concerning the plaintiffs, a copy of which is attached as exhibit one. They published a second. But by the way, that exhibit one, that first uh article, Michael Tate himself came out with a statement. Correct. >> I was going to make that point when you ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01kqf9k33zcjwvtmewdy1a85n5)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - >> Yeah. And interesting, the Guardian wasn't wasn't sued. Um but yes, that is exactly what happened. And so then we published or they uh published a second related defamatory article concerning the plaintiffs on February 12th, 2026, a copy of which is attached as exhibit three. Together they are called the articles. The defamatory articles were written by defendant Jessica Morris. The publisher and editor-inchief of the Roy report is Julie Roy who approved their publication. The Roy report, Julie Royce ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01kqf9k360kcnr5wecffdf0dsq)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted