Manon Bannerman Takes Hiatus from KATSEYE Amid Speculation of Racism and Mistreatment

On February 21, 2026, HYBE x Geffen, the label representing the girl group KATSEYE, announced that member Manon Bannerman is taking a "temporary hiatus" to focus on her health and well-being. Manon later confirmed her decision, stating, “I’m healthy, I’m okay, and I’m taking care of myself. Thank u for checking in! Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture.” The duration of her hiatus remains unspecified, but KATSEYE does not have any scheduled performances until their Coachella debut in April.

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Manon's hiatus has sparked speculation among fans regarding its underlying causes. In a previous interview, she discussed the challenges of being the only Black member of KATSEYE, particularly in relation to perceptions of her work ethic. She expressed frustration over being labeled as "lazy," stating, “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.” This sentiment resonates with the experiences of other Black artists in similar positions, such as Normani from Fifth Harmony and Leigh-Anne Pinnock from Little Mix, both of whom have publicly addressed issues of racism and mistreatment in the music industry.

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Following the announcement, Manon liked an Instagram post that suggested her hiatus was connected to experiences of racism and mistreatment within the industry. This action has led to mixed reactions on social media, with some fans expressing support for her decision and others questioning the implications of her hiatus. Comments ranged from calls for solidarity—“we need to support her since that fuckass company won’t”—to skepticism about her future with the group, with one user stating, “Oh this is getting messy. Just leave the group Manon and call it a day.”

KATSEYE’s Manon liked a post suggesting her hiatus was due to racism and mistreatment

Despite Manon's assertion that her hiatus is solely for health reasons, the timing of her social media activity has fueled debate. Critics argue that her previous portrayal in media, particularly in Netflix’s Pop Star Academy, may have contributed to the narrative surrounding her work ethic. Some fans have pointed out that the documentary did not focus on racial issues but rather on her absences from rehearsals, leading to a perception of arrogance.

KATSEYE’s Manon liked a post suggesting her hiatus was due to racism and mistreatment

KATSEYE's label has not provided further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Manon's hiatus. Meanwhile, fellow artists like Leigh-Anne Pinnock have shown support for Manon, emphasizing the need for solidarity among Black women in the music industry.

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As KATSEYE prepares for their upcoming performances, the impact of Manon's hiatus on the group dynamics and public perception remains to be seen. Fans and industry observers will be closely monitoring developments as the situation unfolds.

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