Global girl group KATSEYE made their Coachella debut as a five-member act, performing some of their biggest hits like “Gnarly” and “Gabriella” – in addition to a surprise rendition of KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden”. Taking the stage without Manon Bannerman, the performance brought ongoing controversy surrounding her hiatus into sharper focus.
The absence traces back to February, when Manon stepped away from group activities to prioritize her health, according to a joint label statement. In messages to fans, she maintained she was “healthy” and expressed gratitude for support, later adding that she remained in active discussions with the company and felt “supported and happy.”
Speculation intensified in early April after Manon removed “Katseye” from her social media bio and was missing from promotions for the group’s single “Pinky Up,” which marked their first release without her participation. Her online activity — including appearances at events and being spotted at Coachella as an attendee rather than a performer — further fueled questions about her status.
The situation has also been amplified by fan-driven allegations of mistreatment, with some pointing to her positioning as the group’s only Black member and raising concerns about unequal visibility and industry dynamics. Calls for transparency, including boycott discussions within the fandom, have circulated in recent weeks.
Onstage, KATSEYE pressed forward with a tightly choreographed set at Coachella’s Sahara stage, performing tracks including “Gnarly,” “Internet Girl” and their latest single “Pinky Up.” The set featured a surprise cameo from KPop Demon Hunters trio HUNTRIX for a joint performance of the latter’s Grammy-winning hit “Golden.”
Despite the offstage uncertainty, the group maintained a unified front in an interview with Zach Sang – describing Manon as “our sister forever” and emphasizing support for her decision to step back.
KATSEYE prepares for its second Coachella weekend performance, attention remains split between the group’s rising global profile and the unresolved questions surrounding Manon’s future.