Sophia Laforteza will pause Katseye promotions while prioritising her mental health

Katseye vocalist Sophia Laforteza has announced she will temporarily step away from the girl group because of mental health concerns.

The news was confirmed by HYBE x Geffen Records, which said Laforteza would be unable to take part in upcoming promotional activities while she focuses on her health and recovery.

The Sophia Laforteza hiatus comes less than six months after fellow Katseye member Manon Bannerman also stepped back from the group to focus on her health and wellbeing.

In a statement, the label said it understood how much fans had been looking forward to seeing Laforteza on stage, but said her mental health and wellness had to come first.

The label said Laforteza had been receiving support and consulting medical professionals. She has also been advised to take extended rest and continue care to allow for a full recovery.

HYBE x Geffen added that Laforteza herself was eager to perform alongside her bandmates, but said the health, safety and long-term wellbeing of its artists would remain the highest priority.

Her condition is expected to be reassessed in September.

Laforteza also addressed fans directly in a statement on Instagram, saying the decision had not been easy. She said she was learning that health had to come first and that she needed to care for both her mind and body if she wanted to keep doing what she loved.

She thanked fans for their support and promised to work hard to recover properly before returning stronger.

Katseye formed as a six-member group in 2023 and has since built a global following with songs including Gnarly, Pinky Up and Gabriela. The group was also nominated for two Grammy Awards last year.

With Laforteza now stepping away and Bannerman still on hiatus, Katseye is expected to continue upcoming events with four members.

The development is a difficult moment for the group and its fanbase, known as EYEKONS. Laforteza has been one of Katseye’s most prominent voices, and her temporary absence will be felt during promotional appearances.

The group’s members have previously spoken about the intense pressure they have faced since debuting. Katseye has said in the past that members received multiple online death threats after entering the public spotlight.

That context gives Laforteza’s announcement extra weight. The statement from her label did not link her health concerns to any specific cause, but it made clear that rest and professional care are now the priority.

Bannerman’s earlier break was announced in February, when the label said she would step away temporarily to focus on her health and wellbeing. She has not yet returned to the group, though the label has said the door remains open.

Bannerman, a 23-year-old Swiss singer, later told fans she was healthy and taking care of herself. At the time, the group said the decision had followed open and thoughtful conversations.

Laforteza’s own message struck a similar tone. Rather than framing the break as an exit from Katseye, she described it as a necessary pause so she can heal properly and continue her career in the long term.

For now, Katseye will move forward with a reduced line-up while fans wait for updates. The group’s next few months are likely to test its resilience, but the label’s message was clear: Laforteza’s recovery comes before the schedule.