Fans of the pop group Katseye have launched a boycott after bandmate Manon Bannerman was absent from the group's Coachella debut, amid an extended hiatus that has sparked calls for transparency. The six-member group, formed by HYBE and Geffen Records through the 2023 survival show Dream Academy, performed without Bannerman at the festival this weekend.
Bannerman, 23, announced a temporary hiatus on 20 February to focus on her health, with HxG—the joint venture behind Katseye—stating they fully supported her decision. However, concerns grew as she missed promotional activities for the new single 'Pinky Up', released on 2 April, and removed Katseye references from her Instagram bio. She also did not appear in the music video released on 9 April.
Fans, known as Eyekons, have used social media hashtags #JusticeForManon and #BoycottForManon to demand answers. Bannerman addressed her absence on Weverse, saying she is 'healthy' and 'taking care of myself', but added cryptically: 'Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control.' She stated that conversations with HxG are positive and she feels supported.
Speculation about Bannerman's treatment has been fuelled by a Netflix documentary showing tensions during training, where she missed rehearsals and faced resentment from other members due to her lack of prior dance and singing training. Some commentators have suggested her exit reflects the music industry's treatment of Black women, as she is the only Black member of the group.
Bannerman has received public support from other Black girl group members, including Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix and Melody Thornton of The Pussycat Dolls. In a February interview, Bannerman criticised work-life balance culture and said: 'Being called lazy, especially as a Black girl, is not fair.' The Independent has contacted a representative for Katseye for comment.
