On February 20, HYBE and Geffen Records, the companies behind the girl group KATSEYE, announced that member Manon Bannerman would be going on hiatus to focus on her “health and well-being.” While artist hiatuses are not uncommon in the music industry, this announcement quickly drew attention due to past concerns raised by fans about her treatment.

Manon is widely considered a fan favorite, so her absence during promotions for the group’s new single, Pinky Up, did not go unnoticed. As promotional content was released without her, fans took to social media to express concern, ask questions, and share messages of support. The situation gained even more attention when celebrities, including SZA, interacted with posts discussing the situation, further amplifying online conversations.

When “Pinky Up” was released on April 9, Manon was not featured in the song or its music video. While the track performed well and received positive feedback, her absence created a noticeable divide among fans. The following day, KATSEYE performed at Coachella as a five-member group. The performance was widely praised, but some fans were surprised to see Manon in the audience, especially since she had previously expressed that performing at Coachella was a personal goal.

The situation became more confusing the following week when Manon appeared as a surprise guest during PinkPantheress’s Coachella set. Her participation raised questions among fans, as it seemed to conflict with the stated reason for her hiatus. While some viewed her appearance as a sign of support for fellow artists, others questioned whether her hiatus was entirely voluntary.

At this time, no additional official details have been released. Fans remain uncertain about Manon’s status and the group’s future, continuing to show support while waiting for clarification. For now, the situation remains unresolved, and only time will reveal what comes next for both Manon and KATSEYE.