Girl group KATSEYE faced a backlash from viewers after their performance on the "Today" show on Friday, with many criticizing their outfits and choreography as inappropriate for a morning broadcast.
The group performed their song "Hootie Frutti" with members Daniela Avanzini, Yoonchae Jeong, Megan Skiendiel, and Lara Raj on stage. Viewers took to social media platforms like X and Instagram to express their disapproval of the members' attire, which consisted of glittering, cropped tops and mini skirts that exposed their midriffs.
Some viewers reported turning off the show during the performance, citing concerns about the appropriateness for children in the audience. Comments described the outfits as "scantily clad" and the dancing as "suggestive." Others questioned the show's programming choices, with one user writing, "Today Show, super disappointed with you for airing AND promoting this type of content," adding that the concert series "seems more like burlesque shows than concerts."
The performance occurred while two of the six-member group's members are on hiatus. Sophia Laforteza, 23, announced in early August that she would be taking a break for "mental health" reasons, with her labels HYBE and Geffen Records stating that her well-being was paramount and that her condition would be reassessed in September. Laforteza shared a personal message with fans, expressing her sadness at missing performances but acknowledging the necessity of prioritizing her health. "Making this decision wasn't easy, but I'm learning that health has to come first," she wrote.
Manon Bannerman, 24, also announced a temporary hiatus earlier in the year, though she assured fans via social media that she was healthy and taking care of herself.
KATSEYE was formed in 2023 through the reality competition series "Dream Academy." The group's hit song "Gabriela" reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.