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Sophia Laforteza steps away from Katseye, the second member to depart this year

The announcement came comes after fellow bandmate Manon Bannerman went on a hiatus from the ensemble.

Sophia Laforteza steps away from Katseye, the second member to depart this year

Katseye vocalist Sophia Laforteza has temporarily stepped away from the popular girl group due to mental health concerns, just six months after bandmate Manon Bannerman announced her hiatus. The group, known for hits Gnarly, Pinky Up and Gabriela, had six members when it debuted in 2023 but will now perform with four. Katseye's label HYBE x Geffen Records emphasized that prioritizing Laforteza's mental health is of utmost importance.

She has been receiving support from medical professionals and is advised to take extended rest and ongoing care. Laforteza expressed her decision wasn't easy, but prioritizing her health is crucial to ensure a long and successful career. She reassured fans she will work hard to recover and return stronger. The group had previously faced online death threats since their debut. Despite Bannerman's temporary break, the label has stated they remain open to her return.

Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Also reported by 2 other outlets

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