Manon Bannerman, a 23-year-old member of the popular girl group Katseye, steps away temporarily to prioritize her health and wellbeing, leaving fans supportive yet saddened.
Group Issues Official Statement
The six-member group, formed in 2023 under Hybe and Geffen Records through the Dream Academy reality series, released a statement on Friday. It reads: “Hello. After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing.”
“We fully support this decision. KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The other five members—Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung—will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right.”
The message ends with thanks to fans, known as EYEKONS: “Thank you to our EYEKONS for your continued love, patience, and understanding. HxG.”
Fans Rally with Messages of Support
Fans flooded X with heartfelt reactions. One wrote, “This is sad. Katseye by far the best GG with vocals & visuals. I hope she returns.”
Another shared, “GET WELL SOON MANON I LOVE YOU PLEASE COME BACK,” while a third added, “Sick to my stomach right now. Take all the time you need Manon, rest well and we’ll be supporting you every day.”
Additional posts include: “I’m so glad you guys support each other and took the best decision for manon’s wellbeing, we love you manon!!! we’ll be here waiting for u,” and “oh, my manon, take all the time you need to recover from anything and everything you’re going through. us eyekons love you very much!!!”
Katseye’s Rise and Achievements
Based in Los Angeles, Katseye debuted their first single “Debut” in 2024, followed by “Touch” and the EP SIS (Soft Is Strong). In April 2025, they released “Gnarly” from their second EP Beautiful Chaos, with “Gabriela” reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a 2026 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
The group’s last performance as six members occurred at the 2026 Grammy Awards, delivering an energetic rendition of “Gnarly.” They wrapped their Beautiful Chaos Tour in Mexico City on December 16, 2025.
Navigating Challenges in the Spotlight
Last year, Katseye hired a group therapist to manage fame and online threats. Lara Raj stated, “I try to tell myself it doesn’t matter, but if 1,000 people are sending you death threats… even if it’s not going to happen… it’s heavy, and it’s jarring.”
Bannerman described the threats as “very terrorizing on the mind.”
On diversity, Bannerman noted in an interview, “People want to see diversity. People want to see themselves represented on the TV, on billboards. And I really hope that people high up see that and see that it works, and implement that.”
She added to another outlet, “We takes great pride in it. We’re just really grateful. One of the most beautiful things about the casting side for me is that we all look so different and diverse, and like any girl can look at us and see herself in us. I feel like we all wanted to have that growing up, so being able to live it and be that role model is amazing. We’re really excited.”
While the hiatus remains temporary, no specific return date is available.
