Manon Allegedly Set to Leave KATSEYE, Delays Exit Announcement to April Due to Contract Obligations

Manon Bannerman's decision to step back from KATSEYE has quickly become one of the group's biggest talking points, with fans questioning whether her 'temporary hiatus' is, in reality, the beginning of a permanent split. A new report now claims the 21-year-old intends to leave the HYBE x Geffen girl group for good, but is unable to make that official until her current contract allows it.

While official statements present her absence as a pause for health and well-being, online speculation suggests Manon may never return to KATSEYE's activities, raising questions about internal tensions, industry pressures and the terms of her deal.

April 30 and the Future of Manon in KATSEYE

According to TikTok account @celebritea, Manon 'allegedly wants to officially leave the group, but she can't until April 30th because of contractual obligations.' The creator claimed this restriction was the reason her departure had to be framed publicly as a 'temporary hiatus'.

The TikTok post referenced a blind item that read: 'The feline singer is not allowed to say she is leaving the group until after April 30,' which is widely believed by fans to be about KATSEYE's Manon.

The reported delay in announcing her alleged exit has been linked to legal and financial complications. Such constraints are often cited in the high-pressure world of idol groups, particularly in projects involving major investment. HYBE x Geffen is reported to have spent an estimated £24.8 million ($30 million) on developing and launching KATSEYE, making each member's trajectory commercially significant.

Social Media Clues and Industry Context

Beyond anonymous tips, Manon's own activity online has added fuel to the rumours that she is unhappy in the group. Fans noticed she recently 'liked' a post on social media discussing the specific challenges and frequent mistreatment of Black women in girl groups. That interaction prompted speculation that she may be facing 'racism' or a lack of adequate support within KATSEYE's structure.

Broader music industry statistics often highlight the under-representation of minorities in major pop acts. In some international markets, minority participation in leading groups is reported to be below 15 per cent, which can heighten scrutiny and strain on individual members. If the current reports are borne out and Manon leaves, observers argue it would significantly alter KATSEYE's line-up and visible diversity.

Internal Friction and 'Termination Review' Rumours

Not all theories circulating among fans suggest Manon is leaving entirely on her own terms. A competing narrative alleges that she was 'kicked out' or pressured into taking a hiatus because of conflicts within the group or with management.

A leaked document, shared in fan spaces but not officially verified, has been cited as pointing to a substantial internal reshuffle. It reportedly referred to a 'termination review' linked to Manon's reduced participation in group activities and to long-term planning that may no longer include her.

So far, however, there is no concrete evidence that she has been formally dismissed. The story among fans is split between those who view her primarily as a casualty of a tough system and those who believe she is deliberately positioning herself for a solo career.

Official Statements and a Message to the Eyekons

HYBE x Geffen's public position has remained consistent: Manon is stepping back for health-related reasons. In a joint statement, the labels told fans she would be pausing group activities to focus on her well-being, a line that some supporters accept and others regard with suspicion given the parallel stream of rumours.

In a post on Weverse, Manon assured her fans that she was doing well. 'I'm healthy, I'm okay, and I'm taking care of myself,' she said. She also thanked her supporters and hinted that something behind the scenes wasn't working out.

'Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture,' she added. She did not, however, explicitly address the rumours regarding her permanent exit.

For now, the group KATSEYE continues as a five-piece, leaving the future of their sixth member in a state of legal and professional limbo.