Manon Bannerman fans are on high alert after the KATSEYE member wiped all group references from her Instagram profile, fueling speculation about a permanent exit from the Grammy-nominated girl group.
The 23-year-old Swiss-Ghanaian singer quietly changed her Instagram bio to simply read “mademoiselle manzanita,” removing any mention of KATSEYE. This move came just hours after the group dropped a teaser for their new single “Pinky Up” featuring only the five other members.
Manon took to the fan platform Weverse to reassure supporters that she is doing well. She wrote, “Thank you so much for all the love and support you’ve been sending my way. I’m really grateful for the patience and kindness everyone has shown during this time. HxG and I are having positive conversations and I feel supported. I’m happy and I’m healthy. I’ll share more soon. Thank you for always being there for me.”
Fan Reactions Erupt Online Comparing Situation to Major Group Departures
Social media quickly filled with worried and angry messages from the KATSEYE fandom, known as EYEKONS. Many fans drew comparisons to past shocking exits in the music industry.
One fan posted, “This is equivalent to zayn leaving 1D,” referencing the former One Direction member’s unexpected departure from the boy band in 2015. Another wrote, “Removing the group name from your bio is never a good sign. This feels like the end.”
The timing of the bio change added to the concern. KATSEYE just started promoting “Pinky Up,” their first new music since Manon stepped away. The teaser clip showed only Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung, with no sign of Manon.
Label Confirms Return for Coachella Despite Ongoing Uncertainty
On April 2, HYBE confirmed to The Korea Herald that Manon will rejoin her bandmates for their upcoming Coachella performance on April 11. This marks the group’s debut at the famous California music festival.
However, the label stopped short of confirming her long-term future with KATSEYE. Sources indicate that while she will perform at Coachella, discussions about her permanent role in the group remain ongoing.
The mixed messages have left fans confused. One moment the label says she is returning for a major show, and the next, she is missing from all promotional content for the group’s new single dropping April 9.
Background Behind Manon’s Temporary Hiatus
Manon first stepped away from group activities on February 20, 2026. KATSEYE’s official statement at the time said she needed time off “to focus on her health and wellbeing.” The label added that they “fully support this decision” and looked forward to the group “being together again when the time is right.”
But Manon’s own words on Weverse shortly after the announcement suggested something else. She wrote, “Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture.” This comment did not match the label’s message about it being a simple health break.
Rumors about deeper problems grew when Manon liked an Instagram post from pop culture commentator Simply Simone. The post talked about how Black women in girl groups often face unfair treatment and hate. Manon is the only Black member of KATSEYE.
Support From Other Artists and Industry Figures
Several well-known artists have spoken up in support of Manon. SZA, Chloe Bailey, Normani from Fifth Harmony, Leigh-Anne Pinnock from Little Mix, and Melody Thornton from the Pussycat Dolls have all shown their backing on social media.
Leigh-Anne Pinnock, who was also the only Black member of Little Mix, told reporters, “There is some kind of vicious cycle going on right now with Black girls in girl groups. We see it all the time, so I’m glad people are speaking about it and highlighting it.”
These public shows of support from artists who have faced similar situations added more weight to fan concerns about the real reasons behind Manon’s absence.
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KATSEYE Continues as Five Members for New Release
The remaining five members of KATSEYE have kept working without Manon. They performed at major festivals in South America, including Lollapalooza Argentina, Lollapalooza Chile, and Estéreo Picnic in Colombia.
“Pinky Up” is scheduled for release on April 9. The group will then perform at Coachella on April 10 and April 17, followed by a headlining spot at the Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival in Pasadena this August.
KATSEYE formed through the 2023 Netflix competition series “Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE” and quickly rose to fame. The group earned two Grammy nominations in January 2026 for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Whether Manon will join her bandmates for these events beyond Coachella remains unclear. Her Instagram bio still has no mention of KATSEYE as of April 6, 2026. Fans continue watching her account and the group’s official pages for any new updates.
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