Katseye took the stage at the Sahara stage during Coachella last weekend, but one of their members, Manon Bannerman, was notably absent. This has sparked ongoing discussions about her temporary hiatus from the group, which continues to raise questions among fans and observers alike.
The group, formed by Hybe and Geffen Records, consists of six members who underwent an intense K-pop style training program. They competed in the 2023 survival competition Dream Academy: The Debut, which aimed to create a “global, diverse and multitalented girl pop group.” Bannerman, along with Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung, made it to the final lineup.
Since their debut in 2024, Katseye has enjoyed chart success with hits like “Gnarly” and “Gabriela.” The latter earned them a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at this year’s Grammys, as well as a spot in the Best New Artist category.
When did Manon go on hiatus?
In February, it was announced that Bannerman would be taking a “temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing.” The label stated they fully supported her decision and said the group would continue with its scheduled activities while she was away.
Bannerman shared a message on Weverse, stating, “I’m healthy, I’m okay, and I’m taking care of myself. 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.”
Despite this, fans have been questioning the duration of her absence and the reasons behind it. Some have even threatened to boycott the group, claiming “Katseye is six” and displaying protest trucks with this message.
Fans initially hoped Bannerman would return for the Coachella performance, but she was not present during Weekend 1. However, she was spotted attending the event, reportedly at Sabrina Carpenter’s main stage headline set, accompanied by Chappell Roan.
Does Manon appear in the latest Katseye project?
Bannerman is notably missing from promotional materials and the music video for the group’s new single, “Pinky Up,” which was released on April 2. She also removed references to Katseye from her Instagram bio.
On April 2, Bannerman provided an update on Weverse, saying, “HxG and I are having positive conversations and I feel supported. I’m happy and I’m healthy. I’ll share more soon. Thank you for always being there for me.”
The group has since announced their upcoming EP Wild, set for release on August 14. This follows the release of their lead single, “Pinky Up,” which is now available for preorder. However, social media quickly highlighted that the solo versions of the EP feature other members, with no version listed for Bannerman. This has led to speculation that she may not be featured at all on the project.
Wider discourse on the treatment of Black women in the music industry
This situation has reignited conversations about the treatment of Bannerman before her hiatus. Fans have pointed to the Dream Academy Netflix documentary, which shows friction with fellow trainees over her lack of prior dance and singing training and missed rehearsals during the rigorous K-pop trainee-style program.
Bannerman told The Cut in February, “Being called lazy, especially as a Black girl, is not fair. Now I feel like I always need to put in extra work to prove something, even though I really don’t.”
As the only Black member of the group, her experience has highlighted broader concerns about how Black women are treated in the music industry. Celebrities such as SZA, Chloe Bailey, Tiffany Haddish, and others have shown support on social media following the announcement of her hiatus.
What has Katseye said about Manon’s hiatus?
In a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Katseye addressed Bannerman’s absence. They said, “Manon has been on hiatus, and we love her so much! We know she’s doing well, and she got to talk to the fans about it. We’re just really excited and rooting for all of us and each other.”
They added, “I think we also want to say like she’s our sister forever. You know what I mean? Like we love her so much and we built this together. So we just want to give her all the space and love she needs right now.”
Katseye is set to return to the Sahara stage at Coachella this weekend (April 17).
