Manon Bannerman joined The Kid LAROI and Sophie HM for dinner at Sushi Park in West Hollywood while her temporary break from KATSEYE continues. Sophie, whose full name is Sophie Hall-Mochkatel, is also a friend and collaborator: she directed Manon in the short film Not Bad, shared on January 27.
The dinner comes as Daniela Avanzini’s comments bring Manon’s absence back into focus. While greeting fans at Paris Fashion Week on October 6, Daniela said, “I miss her so much! And I wish her the best,” then answered, “I’m not sure” when a fan asked why Manon wasn’t in KATSEYE anymore.
HYBE and Geffen announced Manon’s temporary hiatus on February 20, saying she’d step back from group activities “to focus on her health and wellbeing.” Manon told fans on Weverse, “I’m healthy, I’m okay, and I’m taking care of myself.” She also wrote, “Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture.”
After removing KATSEYE from her Instagram bio in April, Manon said, “HxG and I are having positive conversations and I feel supported. I’m happy and I’m healthy. I’ll share more soon.”
In June, fellow member Sophia Laforteza said it wasn’t the group’s place to rush Manon, adding, “She really deserves that and the door is always open.” Sophia also stepped back in August, leaving KATSEYE performing with 4 members. The group’s North American WILDWORLD Tour is scheduled to open October 13 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, followed by an appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles on October 18.
