NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart Responds to Brother’s Allegations, Reveals Shared Childhood Trauma

Bear Rinehart, frontman of Grammy-nominated rock band NEEDTOBREATHE, has issued a public statement following serious allegations made by his younger brother and former bandmate Bo Rinehart. Bo recently shared that he experienced sexual, physical, and emotional abuse as a child, naming Bear as one of the perpetrators alongside a youth pastor and a counselor.
In a heartfelt and emotional response, Bear categorically denied abusing his brother and shared that both he and Bo were sexually abused during childhood by a teenage counselor at a Christian summer camp. Bear stated the abuse began when he was 8 and Bo was 6.
"We were both victims of something no child should endure," Bear wrote. "We didn't know how to speak about it or how to heal from it, and for decades, we navigated our pain without support."
Bear expressed sorrow over the situation, acknowledging the deep wounds and complexities of their shared past. "I love my brother deeply. I want healing for him, and for our entire family," he added. "But I cannot remain silent when false claims are made about me. It's important that the truth be known."
Bo Rinehart, who left NEEDTOBREATHE in 2020, has since launched a solo career under the name Coy Roy. His recent social media post drew wide attention, where he shared his journey of healing and encouraged others to seek help for past abuse.
Bear concluded his statement by asking for privacy and prayers as the family continues to process and seek healing.
"This is a painful chapter in our family's story," Bear said. "But I believe truth, compassion, and love can still guide us forward."
Tags : bear rinehart Bo Rinehart NEEDTOBREATHE sexual abuse
Hot Trends
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Comedian John Crist Announces Engagement to Lydia Fielder
-
William McDowell Walks Away From Car Crash After Black Bear Encounter
-
The Grace Effect 2025 to Feature Gospel Powerhouses Jekalyn Carr, Joe Mettle, and More
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Gospel Icon Vanessa Bell Armstrong Requests Prayers Following Hospitalization
-
What We Know About "American Idol" Winner Jamal Roberts' Faith
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
Lady A Announces "On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2)" Featuring Special Duet with Chris Tomlin
-
Brooke Lightwood “EIGHT” Album Review
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "Follow"
-
Hope Darst Teams Up with Josh Baldwin for Powerful New Version of “Mighty Name of Jesus”
-
Gospel Artist Tim Bowman Jr. Gets Married
-
“Give Me You” by Me’Kayla Climbs to #3 on Billboard Gospel Airplay
-
Evan Craft Announces Debut Book "The Extra Mile"
Most Popular
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Comedian John Crist Announces Engagement to Lydia Fielder
-
William McDowell Walks Away From Car Crash After Black Bear Encounter
-
The Grace Effect 2025 to Feature Gospel Powerhouses Jekalyn Carr, Joe Mettle, and More
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Gospel Icon Vanessa Bell Armstrong Requests Prayers Following Hospitalization
-
What We Know About "American Idol" Winner Jamal Roberts' Faith
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
Lady A Announces "On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2)" Featuring Special Duet with Chris Tomlin
-
Brooke Lightwood “EIGHT” Album Review
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "Follow"
-
Hope Darst Teams Up with Josh Baldwin for Powerful New Version of “Mighty Name of Jesus”
-
Gospel Artist Tim Bowman Jr. Gets Married
-
“Give Me You” by Me’Kayla Climbs to #3 on Billboard Gospel Airplay
-
Evan Craft Announces Debut Book "The Extra Mile"