Five months into Manon Bannerman's hiatus from KATSEYE, her five bandmates are addressing the question fans have been asking most directly: whether race played any role in her stepping back.
In a new Vanity Fair profile published Tuesday, June 30, Sophia Laforteza gave the group's most direct answer yet. "We can definitely say that in our situation, in no way was it about race," she said. "That goes against everything that we stand for." The question had circulated for months, as Manon - the group's only Black member - has previously spoken about facing racist comments during her time in KATSEYE.
Lara Raj added her own reflection on missing her bandmate, telling the outlet, "The safest space that we had was within the six of us," and said there was "nothing but love" among them. The group confirmed they remain in contact with Manon "here and there," even as no return timeline has been set.
This continues a season of grace JubileeCast has tracked closely - from Manon's surprise appearance at Coachella in April, to Sophia's Allure comments just five days ago that "it's not our place to rush her." Through it all, the group has continued referring to itself as six members, holding a seat open even in her absence.
For Sophia, a young woman whose Christian faith has publicly shaped how she leads - from a cover of "Angels We Have Heard On High" to her own words about grace under pressure - this response fits a pattern: choosing patience and care over speculation, even when the questions get harder.
KATSEYE's next EP, WILD, arrives August 14, followed by their WILDWORLD Tour this fall.
Related Articles:
- Why Is Manon Missing From KATSEYE's "Pinky Up"? Hiatus Update Explained
- KATSEYE New EP Sparks Questions as 5-Member Comeback Moves Forward: Manon Finally Responds
- KATSEYE Lands Allure Cover and Sophia Shares Clearest Manon Update Yet: "It's Not Our Place to Rush Her"
