Nathaniel Bryant “Bo” Rinehart (43), who in 1998 founded NEEDTOBREATHE alongside his older brother William Stanley “Bear” Rinehart III (44), has accused Bear of “sexually, physically and emotionally” abusing him as a child.
While NEEDTOBREATHE has never identified as a Christian band, the band has always included Christian themes in its music and during live shows. Bear and Bo grew up as pastor’s kids.
The band gained notoriety while opening for Taylor Swift on her 2011 Speak Now World Tour.
NEEDTOBREATHE has released 10 albums, collected 15 Dove Awards, and been nominated for one Grammy Award (2015).
RELATED: ‘I Make No Excuses’—Michael Tait Breaks Silence About Drug Abuse, Sexual Misconduct Allegations
In 2020, NEEDTOBREATHE announced that Bo was leaving the band.
“Our brother Bo has decided to step away from NEEDTOBREATHE. Bo’s visual and musical artistry has always stood out for being brave, accomplished, and well respected by anyone who has been fortunate enough to experience it,” the band said in a statement.
“We care deeply about Bo,” the statement continued. “His active involvement in this band doesn’t change that. His vision and heart have played a major role in every aspect of who NEEDTOBREATHE is and his impact will be felt for the life of the band.”
Since his departure from NEEDTOBREATHE, Bo has released solo music under the name Coy Roy.
Bo was replaced in NEEDTOBREATHE by former Audio Adrenaline guitarist Tyler Burkum.
, who in 1998 founded NEEDTOBREATHE alongside his older brother William Stanley “Bear” Rinehart III (44), has accused Bear of “sexually, physically and emotionally” abusing him as a child.){kind=link}