KATSEYE Racism Scandal Erupts as Manon Bannerman Takes Hiatus Amid Fan Fury
One of the world's most popular girl groups, KATSEYE, is now embroiled in a major racism scandal following the announcement that member Manon Bannerman is taking a temporary hiatus. The decision, revealed on Friday, has ignited a firestorm among the group's fiercely loyal fanbase, with countless supporters crying racism and alleging discriminatory treatment.
Contradictory Statements Fuel Controversy
The drama intensified when Bannerman, 23, contradicted her record label Hybe's official statement regarding her departure. While Hybe publicly claimed that Bannerman was stepping back to focus on her health and wellbeing, the singer herself took to the social media app WeVerse to insist that she was perfectly fine. 'I want you to hear this from me, I'm healthy, I'm okay, and I'm taking care of myself,' Bannerman wrote to her fans. 'Thank u for checking in! Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture. Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can't wait to see you again.'
Instagram Like Sparks Racism Allegations
The controversy reached new heights after Bannerman 'liked' an Instagram post from pop culture commentator Simply Simone, who claimed that the singer was a victim of 'abhorrent hate' due to her race. The post further argued that black members of mixed-race girl groups often face systemic racism within the industry. Bannerman, who is Ghanaian on her father's side and Swiss-Italian on her mother's side, is the only black member of KATSEYE. The group is described as a global ensemble featuring members from the Philippines, South Korea, India, and other nations.
Celebrity Support and Fan Backlash
A growing number of music superstars have thrown their support behind Bannerman, including R&B singers SZA and Chloe Bailey. Additionally, several prominent black members from other girl groups have publicly defended her on social media:
- Normani from Fifth Harmony
- Leigh-Anne Pinnock from Little Mix
- Melody Thornton from the Pussycat Dolls
Meanwhile, KATSEYE fans have engaged in heated debates across social media platforms about racism within the group. Some supporters have passionately defended Manon, while others have pointed out that additional members of the multiracial girl group may also be victims of discrimination. For instance, Lara Raj, who is of Indian descent, has been cited as potentially facing colorism and online racism.
Fan Reactions and Accusations
The fan community has expressed outrage through various social media posts. One user declared, 'It's about time we have a serious conversation about how some of yall continue to treat black women in girl groups.' Another added, 'Singling out the only black girl of the group is not a good look. The racism is showing!!! The fans are not going to let this slide!' A third commenter noted, 'It's not a competition of course, but Lara does bear the brunt of colorism in Katseye as the darkest member of the group – darker than Manon. It's also impossible to deny the virulent racism directed toward Indians online. I wouldn't be surprised if Lara needed a mental break of her own.' However, not all responses have been supportive, with one critic referencing the group's reality show to label Bannerman as 'just a lazy untalented mess.'
KATSEYE's Background and Success
KATSEYE was formed through the reality TV competition show The Debut: Dream Academy, a collaboration between South Korean record label Hybe and American label Geffen Records. The group was conceived as a global version of a K-pop girl group, employing a similar training system and musical style while casting international members who could speak English and appeal to diverse demographics. The final lineup includes six members:
- Sophia Laforteza, 23, from the Philippines
- Yoonchae Jeung, 18, from South Korea
- Megan Skiendiel, 20, Chinese-Singaporean American
- Daniela Avanzini, 21, Cuban-Venezuelan American
- Lara Raj, 20, Indian-American
- Manon Bannerman, 23, Swiss-Ghanaian
While all members had prior experience in singing or dancing, Bannerman had only worked as a model before joining. This led to her frequently being ranked last by the show's judges, as other members possessed more stage experience. She was also accused of regularly missing practices and rehearsals, a storyline featured in the group's Netflix reality series Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE.
Chart-Topping Achievements and Future Plans
Since debuting in 2024, KATSEYE has achieved significant commercial success. Their 2025 single Gnarly became a global hit across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia. They followed this with the hit Gabriela, which reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the group their second Grammy nomination. Beyond music, KATSEYE has secured major brand deals with Fendi, Coach, Laneige, and Gap. The group is currently working on new music after releasing two EPs and a standalone single, with major performances scheduled at Coachella and Lollapalooza later this year.
Daily Mail has reached out to KATSEYE's record label Hybe and Manon Bannerman for comment on the ongoing scandal, but no official statements have been released at this time.
