KATSEYE star Sophia Laforteza announces hiatus over ‘mental health’

KATSEYE has announced that lead singer Sophia Laforteza will be taking a hiatus from the group, citing ‘mental health’ concerns.

The shock news comes just six months after another member of the collective, 24-year-old Manon Bannerman, announced that she was also taking a hiatus from the band to focus on her health and well-being.  

Both Laforteza, 23, and KATSEYE released statements regarding Laforteza’s temporary exit via their respective Instagram pages on Friday.

‘We are very sorry to share that Sophia will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities,’ read KATSEYE’s statement.

‘We understand how much EYEKONS were looking forward to seeing Sophia on stage, but it is imperative that her mental health and wellness are prioritized.’

They added that Laforteza has been receiving the ‘utmost support, and following thorough consultations with medical professionals, it has been advised that she take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery.’

KATSEYE has announced that Sophia Laforteza will be taking a hiatus from the group, citing ‘mental health’ concerns

Both the 23-year-old singer and the group released statements regarding the matter on Friday 

The announcement, signed by the group’s record labels HYBE and Geffen Records, was also shared on the group’s website, and emphasized that, ‘The health, safety, and long-term well-being of our artists will always remain our highest priority.’

In addition to Laforteza and Bannerman, the group members include Yoonchae, 18, Daniela Avanzini, 22, Lara Raj, 20, and Megan Skiendiel, 20.

The note from the record company went on to say: ‘We will continue to closely monitor [Sophia’s] progress and support her journey.’

As for the entertainer’s potential return to work, it said, ‘We plan to reᴀssess her condition in September and will share a further update with fans at that time.’

Finally, it read, ‘We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support for Sophia, and we look forward to her being back with KATSEYE.’

Meanwhile, Laforteza communicated with her 5.6 million followers in her own words, writing online, ‘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.

The news comes one week before the pop group’s latest EP, WILD, is set to be released.

Not only that, the group are also set to begin their sold-out world tour in September and are just days away from releasing their documentary film KATSEYE: Wild Hearts HEARTS in theatres.  

‘We are very sorry to share that Sophia will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities,’ a statement on KATSEYE’s Instagram Story read

The group are set to kick off a sold-out world tour at the beginning of September

Laforteza was noticeably absent from the premiere of the group’s new documentary film on Tuesday

Laforteza said in her post, ‘Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m learning that health has to come first. I’m realizing that if I don’t take care of my mind and body now, I won’t be able to keep doing what I love the most for so long.’

She thanked her fans for being ‘patient, understanding, and always showing me so much love.’

And the pop star vowed, ‘I promise I’m going to work as hard as I can to get through this, heal properly, and come back stronger.’ 

In February, Bannerman similarly announced a ‘temporary hiatus’ in order to focus on her ‘health and wellbeing.’

Her exit sparked a major backlash from many of the group’s fanbase, who have been demanding answers about Bannerman’s future in KATSEYE for months.  

Bannerman also fueled the fire by contradicting her record label’s public statement about her hiatus. 

It comes almost six months after another member of the collective, 24-year-old Manon Bannerman, announced she would be taking a step back from her role; pictured in June 

KATSEYE are pictured with their full six-member lineup before Bannerman and Laforteza went on hiatus

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While Hybe said that Bannerman was taking a break to focus on her health, the singer herself took to the social media app WeVerse to insist that she was fine.  

‘I want you to hear this from me, I’m healthy, I’m okay, and I’m taking care of myself,’ Bannerman wrote to her fans back in February. 

‘Thank you for checking in! Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture. Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can’t wait to see you again.’

The Los Angeles-based girl group was formed in 2023 during the reality compeтιтion series Dream Academy. 

Their first single, Debut, was released in 2024 and followed by a second called Touch. 

KATSEYE’S biggest hit, Gabriela, reached number 21 on the Billboard H๏τ 100 chart and earned a nomination at the 2026 Grammy Awards for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

The women were also nominated in the Best New Artist category, but the award went to British solo act Olivia Dean.

Last November, the group revealed that they hired a therapist to help them navigate the spotlight and death threats.

Raj told Rolling Stone, ‘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 added that it is ‘very terrorizing on the mind.’