KATSEYE is now down to four active members after leader Sophia Laforteza announced on August 7 that she is taking a temporary hiatus to focus on her mental health - just hours before the group's headlining set at the Head in the Clouds festival and one week before their new EP, "Wild," drops on August 14.
In a joint statement from HYBE and Geffen Records shared on Weverse, the labels said Laforteza has been "receiving the utmost support" and that medical professionals advised her to "take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery." Her condition will be reassessed in September.
Laforteza, 23, shared her own message on Instagram Stories: "It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot. You know how much I love being on stage, performing, and sharing these moments with you... Making this decision wasn't easy, but I'm learning that health has to come first."
Her hiatus follows member Manon Bannerman's own step-back in February, which is still ongoing six months later. With both Laforteza and Bannerman currently absent, KATSEYE will move forward as a four-member act - Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung - for the EP release, upcoming Tonight Show debut, and The Wildworld Tour this fall.
KATSEYE has been open about the intense pressure fame has brought, including revealing in a BBC interview last year that the group had received thousands of death threats. Through the group's ongoing seasons of change, the remaining members have consistently modeled patience and grace toward their bandmates - a posture JubileeCast has tracked closely through Manon's hiatus. Fans and fellow artists flooded Laforteza's post with messages of support and prayer for her recovery.
Related Articles
- Why Is Manon Missing From KATSEYE's "Pinky Up"? Hiatus Update Explained
- KATSEYE Lands Allure Cover and Sophia Shares Clearest Manon Update Yet: "It's Not Our Place to Rush Her"
- KATSEYE Says Manon's Hiatus "Was Not About Race": Sophia Laforteza's Grace-Over-Speculation Approach Continues
- KATSEYE Confirms Manon Appears in "Wild Hearts" Movie Despite Official Hiatus
