SAEDNEWS: Katseye vocalist Sophia Laforteza is temporarily stepping away from promotional activities to focus on her mental health and recovery. Her decision comes less than six months after fellow member Manon Bannerman also took a break from the group.
According to SaedNews: Katseye is facing another major change to its lineup after Sophia Laforteza announced that she will temporarily step away from the group to focus on her mental health and overall well-being.
The Filipino-American singer will not take part in upcoming promotional activities, according to a statement from HYBE x Geffen Records. The label said Laforteza is receiving support and consulting medical professionals, who have advised her to take an extended period of rest and continue with her care.
For fans of the rapidly rising girl group, the announcement represents another unexpected moment. Katseye was formed with six members in 2023 and has since built an international following with songs including “Gnarly,” “Pinky Up” and “Gabriela.” The group was also nominated for two Grammy Awards last year.
Now, however, Katseye will continue its scheduled events with four members.
The label emphasized that Laforteza’s health must come before performances and promotional commitments. While the singer remains eager to perform with her bandmates, the company said the long-term health, safety and well-being of its artists are its highest priority.
Laforteza also addressed fans directly in an Instagram statement, acknowledging that making the decision was difficult. She explained that she had come to understand the importance of looking after both her mind and body if she wanted to continue doing what she loves for many years.
Her message also made clear that she has not given up on returning to the stage.
Laforteza promised to work hard toward recovery, saying she wants to heal properly and return stronger. That message is likely to reassure fans who may have been worried that the temporary absence could signal a permanent departure.
For now, there is no indication that Laforteza is leaving Katseye permanently. Her condition is expected to be reassessed in September, according to the label.
The timing is particularly notable because Laforteza is the second Katseye member to step away from activities this year.
In February, Manon Bannerman announced that she would take a temporary break to focus on her health and well-being. The Swiss singer has yet to return to the group, although the label has said that the door will always remain open.
Bannerman, who is 23, previously reassured fans that she was healthy and taking care of herself. Katseye said at the time that her decision followed open and thoughtful discussions among those involved.
The two departures have placed renewed attention on the pressures surrounding the young group, which has experienced an unusually rapid rise since its formation.
Katseye has also previously revealed that its members have faced multiple online death threats since making their debut. While those threats are not identified in the latest announcement as the reason for Laforteza’s break, they form part of the broader challenges the group has encountered as its profile has grown.
For Laforteza, however, the message surrounding her decision is clear: stepping away is about protecting her ability to continue performing in the future.
Her statement reflects a difficult reality for performers whose careers can involve demanding schedules, constant public attention and intense expectations. Choosing to pause rather than push through those pressures can be a significant decision, particularly for an artist who is still eager to be on stage.
Katseye’s fans, known as EYEKONS, had been looking forward to seeing Laforteza perform. The label acknowledged that disappointment while stressing that her recovery must take priority.
The group will now enter another period of change, with four members carrying on its events while Bannerman remains away and Laforteza begins her own recovery period.
There is still a clear possibility that Laforteza will return. The label has specifically indicated that her condition will be reassessed in September, leaving her future participation open.
For now, the most important part of the story is not when she will return, but why she chose to step back: Laforteza has decided that taking care of herself has to come before the next performance.
That decision may leave fans disappointed in the short term, but her promise to heal properly and come back stronger gives supporters something to hold on to. As Katseye moves forward with four members, attention will remain on Laforteza’s recovery and whether she is ready to rejoin the group when her health allows.
