KATSEYE Addresses Manon’s Hiatus, Says It Was “Not About Race”

KATSEYE has spoken publicly about Manon Bannerman’s ongoing hiatus, with the members denying speculation that race played a role in her break from group activities.

The group addressed the issue in a new interview with Vanity Fair, published on June 30.

Five members Sophia Laforteza, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung participated in the interview. Manon was not present.

KATSEYE Speaks About Manon’s Absence

Manon’s absence has been one of the most closely discussed issues surrounding KATSEYE this year.

In the interview, the members opened up about the situation after months of fan speculation and online debate.

Sophia directly responded to claims that Manon’s hiatus was connected to racial issues inside or around the group.

She said the situation was “in no way” about race, adding that such an idea goes against everything KATSEYE stands for.

Sophia Denies Race-Related Speculation

The controversy grew because Manon is the group’s only Black member.

Some fans had questioned whether racial discrimination or internal tension played a part in her pause from group activities.

Sophia firmly pushed back against that interpretation. Her statement made clear that the members do not see Manon’s hiatus as a race-related matter.

The comment is significant because it is one of the clearest responses yet from KATSEYE members about the rumors surrounding Manon.

Lara Emphasizes KATSEYE’s Bond

Lara also spoke about the group’s relationship with Manon.

She said the safest space for the members is among the six of them, stressing that people outside the group do not fully know what happens between them.

According to Lara, there is only love among the members.

Her comment appeared to be aimed at fans who believe there may be distance or conflict inside the group. Rather than confirming tension, the members presented the situation as private, emotional and more complicated than online speculation suggests.

Members Say They Still Keep in Touch With Manon

When asked whether they remain in contact with Manon, the members said they have communicated with her from time to time.

They also mentioned Manon attending Coachella as an audience member rather than performing with KATSEYE.

Sophia said she was happy that Manon was able to enjoy those moments for herself.

The response suggested that while Manon is currently away from official activities, the members still view her with care and support.

Manon’s Hiatus Was Announced in February

Manon’s hiatus was first announced in February through KATSEYE’s official fan platform.

At the time, HYBE and Geffen Records said she would temporarily step back from group activities to focus on her health and well-being.

However, the announcement drew more attention after Manon later wrote on social media that she was healthy, doing well and taking care of herself.

That message led some fans to question the full background behind the hiatus.

Online Rumors Grew After Social Media Activity

Speculation became stronger after fans noticed Manon’s social media activity.

A post discussing the experiences of Black women in Western girl groups included a KATSEYE-related hashtag, and Manon was reported to have liked the post.

Fans also pointed to her following artists who have spoken publicly about racism in the music industry.

Those details fueled online debate, with some fans interpreting them as possible signs that Manon had faced racial pressure or isolation.

KATSEYE’s latest interview appears to be an attempt to directly respond to those theories while maintaining privacy around Manon’s personal situation.

KATSEYE Moves Forward Amid Public Scrutiny

KATSEYE continues to move forward as a five-member lineup while Manon remains on hiatus.

The group’s comments show the difficulty of handling a public controversy involving health, identity, fan concern and social media speculation.

For many fans, the interview may not answer every question. However, it does clarify the members’ position: they deny that the situation was about race and say their bond with Manon is still based on love.

As KATSEYE continues its global activities, attention remains focused on Manon’s future and whether she will eventually return to the group.