Manon Bannerman, a member of the global girl group KATSEYE, has reappeared in the public eye at a fashion show in Corsica, France, over five months after announcing a hiatus. Bannerman attended the Jacquemus fashion show on Monday, dressed in a bright yellow ensemble and accessorized with a mint green clutch and cream stilettos.
The appearance has drawn significant attention from fans, many of whom have expressed surprise and speculation online. Comments on social media questioned the timing of her public appearances given her official hiatus for health and well-being.
KATSEYE, formed through the reality competition show "The Debut: Dream Academy" by Hybe and Geffen Records, consists of members from the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States. The group, which also includes Daniela Avanzini, Yoonchae Jeung, Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj, and Megan Skiendiel, has been promoting as a five-piece act during Bannerman's absence.
Bannerman's hiatus was announced in February, shortly after the group performed their hit song "Gnarly" at the Grammy Awards, where they received nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The official statement from KATSEYE and their labels cited Bannerman's need to focus on her "health and wellbeing." However, Bannerman herself took to social media platform WeVerse to state that she was healthy and taking care of herself, leading to further fan discussion.
Fans have also speculated about racism potentially affecting Bannerman, who is of Ghanaian and Swiss-Italian descent. These theories gained traction after Bannerman liked a social media post discussing potential racism faced by mixed-race members in girl groups. No direct evidence of racism from bandmates or labels has been presented.
Despite Bannerman's hiatus, the remaining members of KATSEYE have continued to achieve success. They delivered a well-received performance at Coachella in April, which was the most-streamed performance during the festival's first weekend. In May, the group performed at the American Music Awards, winning three awards including New Artist of the Year, and released their single "Pinky Up," which reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their subsequent single, "Iconic By Mistake," debuted at No. 38.
The group is preparing to release their upcoming EP, "Wild," on August 14, and is scheduled for a world tour later this year. They have also been added to the lineup for Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields music festival.
When asked about Bannerman in an April interview, KATSEYE members Sophia Laforteza and Lara Raj expressed support, stating they wished her well and wanted to give her the space and love she needed.