Katseye member Manon Bannerman announced on February 20, 2026, that she will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her “health and wellbeing.” The announcement was made via Weverse, the global fandom platform used by HYBE, the talent agency and record label behind the two-time Grammy-nominated girl group.

Announcement Details and Group Support

In a joint statement from HYBE and Geffen Records, the companies expressed full support for Manon’s decision, emphasizing that Katseye remains committed to supporting one another and their fans. The group will continue with all scheduled activities during Manon’s hiatus, with hopes of reuniting when the time is right.

Aspect	Information
Announcement Date	February 20, 2026
Member Taking Leave	Manon Bannerman (Swiss-born, age 23)
Announcement Platform	Weverse (HYBE’s global fandom platform)
Reason	Health and wellbeing focus
Type of Leave	Temporary hiatus (duration unspecified)
Group Status	Continues scheduled activities without Manon
Label Support	HYBE x Geffen Records (HxG)
Upcoming Activities	Coachella performance in April 2026

Katseye Group Background and Achievements

Detail	Information
Formation	2023 via Netflix’s Dream Academy (Popstar Academy)
Total Members	6 (Manon, Yoonchae, Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Sophia Laforteza, Megan Skiendiel)
Labels	HYBE and Geffen Records collaboration
Grammy Nominations 2026	Best New Artist, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Notable Song	“Gnarly” (performed at Grammy Awards)
Also Nominated	“Gabriela” for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Debut Performance	Grammy Awards 2026 (February)
Fan Name	EYEKONS

The Official Statement

The statement released via Weverse read: “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 message continued: “The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right. Thank you to our EYEKONS for your continued love, patience, and understanding.”

Manon Bannerman’s Background

Manon Bannerman, born in Switzerland, gained recognition before joining Katseye through posting fashion and lifestyle videos on TikTok and Instagram starting in 2021. Her participation in Netflix’s Dream Academy led to her selection as one of the six founding members of Katseye.

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, the 23-year-old demonstrated her commitment to group unity. Speaking to media outlets, she emphasized: “The biggest thing is we’re constantly supporting each other. That’s the one thing. Just constantly making sure that we’re all coming up on this crazy journey together and that we’re not leaving anybody behind.”

Mental Health and Online Harassment Context

The hiatus announcement comes amid Katseye’s recent nominations and rising prominence. Last fall, when speaking with the BBC, all six group members alleged they received death threats and substantial online harassment since their debut. Manon specifically described the experience as “very terrorizing on the mind.”

In response to these challenges, Katseye hired a group therapist to help members cope with pressures of modern stardom and online toxicity. The group has consistently emphasized their commitment to collective wellbeing and mutual support.

Group Continues Scheduled Activities

While Manon focuses on her health and wellbeing, Katseye will proceed with scheduled performances and activities. The group is confirmed to perform at Coachella in April 2026, one of music’s most prestigious festival events. The group’s commitment to continuing performances despite Manon’s absence demonstrates the flexibility of their touring structure and the group’s professional obligations.

Industry Context and Fan Response

The announcement received immediate support from the music industry and fan community. EYEKONS, as Katseye’s dedicated fanbase is known, have expressed understanding and continued support for the member’s health prioritization.

This decision aligns with growing industry trends recognizing mental health awareness and supporting artists’ wellbeing. K-pop and global music groups increasingly prioritize member health, with several major acts implementing similar hiatus protocols for members requiring breaks.

Return Timeline and Future Plans

The official statement did not specify a return date for Manon, stating only that the group looks forward to reuniting “when the time is right.”

This open-ended approach prioritizes Manon’s health recovery without rushing her return, reflecting contemporary industry best practices regarding artist wellbeing.

FAQs

Why is Manon taking a hiatus from Katseye?

Manon is taking a temporary hiatus to focus on her “health and wellbeing.” While specific health details weren’t disclosed, the decision came after the group members received online harassment and death threats, with Manon previously describing the experience as “very terrorizing on the mind.”

When will Manon return to Katseye?

No specific return date has been announced. The official statement indicates the group looks forward to reuniting “when the time is right,” prioritizing her health recovery without rushing her comeback.

Will Katseye continue performances without Manon?

Yes, Katseye will continue all scheduled activities during Manon’s hiatus. The group is confirmed to perform at Coachella in April 2026 and will proceed with other previously scheduled engagements.

How did the other Katseye members respond?

The other five members—Yoonchae, Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Sophia Laforteza, and Megan Skiendiel—fully support Manon’s decision. They emphasized their commitment to supporting one another and their fans during this period.

Has Katseye hired professional support for member wellbeing?

Yes, Katseye hired a group therapist to help members cope with pressures of modern stardom and challenges like online harassment they’ve faced since their debut.