A new interview with KATSEYE has reignited online debate surrounding member Manon and her ongoing hiatus, with some fans accusing the group of dismissing concerns that Manon had previously hinted at on social media.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, the remaining members were asked whether they still keep in touch with Manon. Their response was brief, saying they speak “here and there.”
The publication also reported that Manon does not appear on KATSEYE’s upcoming mini album and has not yet committed to the group’s forthcoming world tour. Vanity Fair added that even the members themselves may not know every detail behind the situation and suggested that they do not view it as their story to tell.
During the interview, member Lara Raj emphasized the close bond among the group.
“The safest space that we had was within the six of us. People just have no idea what goes on. They just don’t. It’s nothing but love between us.”
However, it was fellow member Sophia whose comments generated the strongest reaction online.
After Manon had previously interacted with social media posts discussing her experience as the only Black woman in KATSEYE, many fans speculated that race may have played a role in the circumstances surrounding her hiatus.
Addressing that speculation, Sophia stated:
“We can definitely say that in our situation, in no way was it about race. That goes against everything that we stand for.”
The statement quickly divided fans.
Some supporters appreciated the group’s attempt to clarify that they did not believe racism was a factor in the situation. Others, however, argued that Sophia’s remarks appeared to contradict or minimize concerns that Manon herself had seemingly acknowledged through her social media activity.
Several users on social media claimed the interview effectively “invalidated” Manon’s perspective, while others argued that only Manon can fully speak about her own experiences.
Some commenters also pointed out that people of color are not automatically immune from participating in or overlooking anti-Black bias, suggesting that the broader conversation is more complex than a simple denial.
At the same time, many fans urged caution, noting that neither Sophia nor the rest of KATSEYE claimed to be speaking on Manon’s behalf. Instead, they interpreted the interview as the members describing their own understanding of the situation rather than making definitive statements about Manon’s personal experiences.
As of now, neither KATSEYE’s management nor Manon has publicly provided a detailed explanation for her absence from group activities.
Without additional information from those directly involved, many of the discussions circulating online remain speculative.
