Archive · 8 Aug 2026
KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza Announces Mental Health Break Amid Fan Anger
Sophia Laforteza is a singer in a girl group called KATSEYE.
She is taking a break from the group.
She needs time to rest and feel better.
Her doctors told her to rest for a long time and keep getting care.
Another singer in the group, Manon Bannerman, also took a break earlier this year.
Manon's break was announced in February.
Some fans thought she was leaving the group forever.
The companies that run KATSEYE, HYBE and Geffen Records, said Sophia cannot join upcoming shows.
Some fans are upset and blame the companies for the group's problems.
KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza is taking a break from the group to focus on her mental health and recovery.
She is the second member to go on hiatus this year, following Manon Bannerman's break announced in February.
HYBE and Geffen Records confirmed Sophia will not take part in upcoming promotional activities.
Medical professionals recommended she take a prolonged period of rest and continue with ongoing care.
Angry fans have blamed the label for the 'mess' surrounding the group.
- Who
- Sophia Laforteza, a 23-year-old member of the multinational girl group KATSEYE
- What
- Announced a break from group activities to focus on her mental health and recovery
- When
- Around six months after Manon Bannerman's hiatus, which was announced in February
- Where
- Not specified in the articles
- Why
- Medical professionals recommended a prolonged period of rest and ongoing care for her mental health
Fans
HYBE & Geffen Records
Responsibility for the hiatus
Fans
Angry fans blame the label for the 'mess' and the problems the group is facing.
HYBE & Geffen Records
The companies say medical professionals recommended a prolonged rest for Sophia's mental health and ongoing care.
Nature of the breaks
Fans
Many fans believed Manon Bannerman's earlier hiatus was actually her quitting the group.
HYBE & Geffen Records
HYBE and Geffen Records framed the absences as announced breaks from promotional activities.
- Member
- Sophia Laforteza
- Age
- 23
- Group
- KATSEYE
- Reason for break
- Mental health and recovery
- Second hiatus in 2026
- Yes, after Manon Bannerman's break
- Manon Bannerman's break announced
- February
- Confirmed by
- HYBE and Geffen Records
- Status
- Cannot take part in upcoming promotional activities