HYBE Addresses Manon’s Coachella Appearance and KATSEYE Hiatus Drama

HYBE has confirmed that Manon Bannerman will not perform with KATSEYE at the upcoming Coachella music festival. The announcement follows a period of contradictory reports regarding the artist’s status and her participation in the group’s desert debut.

On April 9, 2026, HYBE informed The Korea Herald that Manon remains on hiatus, confirming she will be absent from the performances scheduled for that weekend and the following one. This update aligns with a Vogue magazine article published the same day, which noted that only the five active members of KATSEYE had been rehearsing for the festival set.

Contradictions and Confusion

The confirmation of Manon’s absence comes after a series of conflicting updates from the label. On April 3, 2026, HYBE had reportedly told The Korea Herald that Manon was set to perform with her group members.

This inconsistency has coincided with other developments that sparked speculation about Manon’s future with the group. On April 2, 2026, Manon removed the name of KATSEYE from her Instagram bio. When queried about rumors regarding her potential departure from the group, HYBE reportedly refused to comment.

Timeline of the Hiatus

Manon Bannerman has been on a temporary hiatus from KATSEYE since February 20, 2026. During this period, the group has continued activities with members Yoonchae, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Sophia Laforteza, and Megan Skiendiel.

The artist’s absence was further highlighted during the rollout for the group’s next single, Pinky Up, which was released on April 9, 2026. Manon was noticeably absent from the video teasers and promotional photos leading up to the song’s launch.

Despite the lack of official confirmation regarding her return date, Manon addressed fans via Weverse on April 2, 2026. She stated that she and HYBE x Geffen Records were having positive conversations and that she felt supported, healthy, and happy.

Industry and Fan Response

The decision to exclude Manon from the Coachella performance has led to significant criticism on social media. Fans have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding her status and the perceived cruelty of sitting a performer out of a high-profile event they had anticipated.

Additional reports have added to the uncertainty. A source told Us Weekly that Manon is not planning to return to the girl group following her hiatus, although HYBE and Geffen Records have not officially confirmed or denied this claim.

Manon has been spotted in public recently, including attending a Malcolm Todd concert in Los Angeles on the night of April 2, 2026, where she was seen chatting and posing for photos with fans.

Current Group Status

As of April 9, 2026, KATSEYE will proceed with its Coachella appearances as a five-member ensemble. The group remains under the joint management of HYBE and Geffen Records, though the label has not provided a specific timeline for when Manon’s hiatus will conclude or if she will rejoin the active lineup.