KATSEYE Drops Out of Olivia Rodrigo's Festival After Another Member Gets Taken Out by an Injury

KATSEYE have withdrawn from Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields festival in Irvine, California, after member Megan Skiendiel sprained her ankle during tour rehearsals, leaving the group unable to perform just days before the event.

The announcement came on Thursday, 27 August, with the festival scheduled for Saturday, 29 August. This is hardly the smoothest run for the six-piece-turned-quartet.

The group originally formed on Netflix's The Debut: Dream Academy in 2023, but earlier this year both Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman stepped back to focus on their health and wellbeing.

'It Breaks Our Hearts': KATSEYE Explain Withdrawal from Daisy Chain Fields

In a message posted to Weverse, KATSEYE apologised to fans who had made plans to see them and explained that doctors had advised Megan to rest her ankle so she could be ready for their upcoming tour. 'We're so incredibly sorry to share that we are unable to perform at Daisy Chain Fields this Saturday,' the group said.

'Megan sprained her ankle yesterday during tour rehearsal and after being evaluated by doctors, she has been advised to stay off it and allow it to properly heal so we can be ready for our upcoming tour.'

The cancellation stung because of what the festival represents, they added. 'It breaks our hearts to disappoint anyone who made plans to be there,' KATSEYE said. 'We were especially excited for Daisy Chain Fields because it's not just about music, but the greater mission of joy and community.'

They also sent their support to Olivia Rodrigo and the wider team behind the event. 'We're sending all our love to Olivia and to all of the incredible artists, non-profit organisations and volunteers who have given their time to make this day so special,' the statement continued. 'It's going to be such an amazing day, and we can't wait to see everyone out on tour.'

Health First: KATSEYE Prioritise Recovery Amid Line-Up Turbulence

The withdrawal lands against a backdrop of line-up uncertainty that has dogged KATSEYE for months. Sophia temporarily stepped back in early August to focus on her 'mental health and wellness,' with management saying her condition would be reassessed in September.

Manon, meanwhile, has been on a 'temporary hiatus' since February, according to labels HYBE and Geffen Records, to 'focus on her health and wellbeing.'

She has not taken part in official group activities, including the recording and release of their new EP, Wild, though she has been spotted at public events.

During an appearance on Today, member Lara Raj stressed the importance of looking after themselves while two of their bandmates are away.

'As KATSEYE, it's so important to us to always prioritise our well-being,' Lara said. 'We stand by Sophia and Manon through and through. We ride for them.'

For fans, the latest setback feels like one more wobble in a year that has already felt a bit mad. The group's new EP, Wild, went on to achieve their first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, yet promotional activities have continued as a quartet.

Nothing is confirmed yet, so everything should be taken with a grain of salt, but the pattern is clear: health comes first, even when it means missing high-profile slots like Olivia Rodrigo's inaugural all-women festival.