Lead singer Sophia Laforteza of pop group KATSEYE will take a temporary hiatus from the group to prioritize her mental health, according to statements released on Friday. The 23-year-old performer and the group announced her temporary exit on their respective Instagram pages.
KATSEYE stated on Instagram that Laforteza will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities. The group explained that while they understand how much EYEKONS were looking forward to seeing Laforteza on stage, her mental health and wellness must be prioritized.
The statement added that Laforteza has received the utmost support and consulted with medical professionals. Doctors advised her to take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery.
Record label statement and tour schedule
The group's record labels, HYBE and Geffen Records, also published a statement on KATSEYE's official website. The labels emphasized that the health, safety, and long-term well-being of their artists will always remain their highest priority.
Record executives said they will monitor Laforteza's progress closely and support her journey. They plan to reassess her condition in September and share a further update with fans at that time, expressing gratitude for fan understanding and support.
In addition to Laforteza, KATSEYE consists of Yoonchae, 18, Daniela Avanzini, 22, Lara Raj, 20, Megan Skiendiel, 20, and Manon Bannerman, 24.
Laforteza communicated directly with her 5.6 million Instagram followers, writing that it breaks her heart to miss out on upcoming events. She expressed her love for being on stage, performing, and sharing moments with fans.
Laforteza stated that making the decision was not easy, but she is learning that health has to come first. She noted that if she does not take care of her mind and body now, she will not be able to keep doing what she loves most for so long.
She thanked fans for being patient, understanding, and showing love, promising to work hard to heal properly and return stronger. The announcement comes one week before KATSEYE releases their latest EP, WILD.
KATSEYE is also scheduled to launch a sold-out world tour in September and release their documentary film, KATSEYE: Wild Hearts, in theatres in a few days. Laforteza was absent from the premiere of the documentary film on Tuesday.
Previous member hiatus and fan reaction
Laforteza's hiatus comes six months after 24-year-old member Manon Bannerman announced a temporary hiatus from KATSEYE in February to focus on her health and wellbeing. Bannerman's departure sparked a major backlash from fans, who demanded answers regarding her future in the band.
Bannerman also fueled speculation by contradicting the public statement issued by her record label. While HYBE reported that Bannerman was taking a break to focus on her health, the singer posted on social media app WeVerse that she was fine.
Bannerman wrote to fans that she wanted them to hear directly from her that she was healthy, okay, and taking care of herself. She added that she was trusting the bigger picture even when things unfold beyond control, thanking fans for standing by her.
Group history and recent music releases
The Los Angeles-based girl group KATSEYE was formed in 2023 during the reality competition series Dream Academy. The band released their first single, Debut, in 2024, which was followed by their second single, Touch.
Their biggest hit, Gabriela, reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. KATSEYE was also nominated for Best New Artist, an award won by British solo act Olivia Dean.
Last November, KATSEYE revealed that they hired a therapist to help them navigate fame and online death threats. Group member Lara Raj told Rolling Stone that receiving death threats is heavy and jarring, while Bannerman added that the experience is very terrorizing on the mind.
Despite Bannerman's ongoing absence, KATSEYE has continued to achieve success, scoring Billboard Hot 100 hits this year with Pinky Up, Iconic By Mistake, and Animal. The group has also been added to the lineup for Olivia Rodrigo's all-female Daisy Chain Fields music festival, alongside Stevie Nicks, Karen O, Chappell Roan, and Rodrigo.
