Nathaniel Bryant “Bo” Rinehart, co-founder of the popular band NEEDTOBREATHE, has made serious allegations against his brother and bandmate, William Stanley “Bear” Rinehart III, claiming he suffered “sexual, physical, and emotional” abuse during childhood. This revelation poses significant challenges not only for the family but also for the band, which has long intertwined its identity with elements of Christianity, despite not explicitly labeling itself as a Christian group.
NEEDTOBREATHE rose to fame in part by opening for Taylor Swift during her 2011 Speak Now World Tour and has since released ten albums, garnered 15 Dove Awards, and received a Grammy Award nomination in 2015.
In 2020, Bo announced his departure from the band, stating that he wished to pursue solo music under the name Coy Roy. The band expressed their support for him, recognizing his contributions: “We care deeply about Bo… his vision and heart have played a major role in every aspect of who NEEDTOBREATHE is.”
Following Bo’s exit, Tyler Burkum, previously of Audio Adrenaline, joined NEEDTOBREATHE as a replacement.
The band has always incorporated themes of faith and resilience into their work, and as they navigate this personal turmoil, there may be opportunities for families and individuals overcoming difficulties to find hope and healing in the music that speaks to their experiences. The unfolding situation could inspire discussions about accountability and the importance of support systems, emphasizing that healing is possible even after trauma.