Speculations are going around on social media about Katseye member Manon leaving the group. A recent announcement was released by HxG, a joint debut company between Geffen records and Hybe corporation, about Manon’s hiatus from the group. Allegedly, Manon later responded on Weverse, a community platform for idols and fans to communicate, about the hiatus, saying, “Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t understand.” But, what does this announcement mean for Manon and Katseye? Could the group be falling apart as quickly as it started?
Katseye was formed a little over three years ago, through The Debut: Dream Academy reality tv show on Netflix. Dream academy is a 12-week reality competition hosted by HxG in hopes to form a global girl group. Because Katseye’s success is relatively new, with their biggest breakthrough only being a couple months ago with their GAP collaboration ad. The collaboration blew up on all social media platforms, with the YouTube video having over 60 million views. But, all the hype around Katseye is starting to transition into something negative.
News of Manon’s hiatus sparked controversy around HybexGeffen and their supposed toxic treatment of the girls, especially Manon. Posts from fans on Tik Tok and Instagram are spreading like wildfire, creating hashtags such as “no Katseye without Manon,” or commenting photos of Manon under official Katseye posts. As news spread of Manon’s hiatus, fans began creating posts in support of Manon, which caught the attention of group member Daniela’s father, Rafael Avanzini.
Avanzini caused discourse online when he responded to a fan post stating that Katseye will function fine without Manon. This statement didn’t sit well with fans, who began boycotting the group after Manon went on hiatus. Because of his comments about Manon, diehard fans started mass reporting Avanzini’s Instagram account until he was eventually deactivated. These comments only made things worse for his daughter, Daniela, with fans of Manon beginning to spread hate about Daniela.
Daniela hasn’t officially responded on the matter of her father. Even with fans bashing her for answers, or flooding her Tik Tok with pictures of Manon asking her to check her father. Her silence isn’t sitting well with fans who are constantly looking for answers about the situation. So far, fans are being kept in the dark about the whole situation, with only vague messages from HxG and Manon herself. Also, with the group members not speaking about it, it makes viewers feel like they are avoiding the situation. It is purported that the members are under contract to not influence or spread any rumors regarding the group to protect the organization as a whole.
The reality is, this isn’t the first time that Manon has taken a break from the group. In the past, Manon has missed events because of a poor immune system or homesickness. She is from Switzerland, a country known for prioritizing mental health within the community, and because Manon grew up there, it’s not surprising that she would take breaks for personal need. Because of this, the fact that Manon is taking a hiatus now, after touring, and such massive successes with collabs, is less surprising.
The speculation of Manon leaving the group is, for now, only speculation. She passed on a statement that could be interpreted in multiple ways, but it doesn’t make those interpretations true. Fans only know what is being shared, which isn’t much, and all possibilities are still up in the air.
