If you've been scrolling through TikTok, Instagram or X recently, you may have seen more and more posts claiming Katseye member Manon has left the group. But are the rumours true?
Speculation has risen since fans noticed Manon’s absence from global girl group Katseye’s new music video Animal, as well as the trailer for their new documentary film, Katseye: Wild Hearts, which hits UK cinemas on 12 August.
Rumours spread easily online and with many fans feeling confused, it’s important to take a closer look to understand what’s really going on.
BBC Bitesize Other Side of the Story is here to help you focus on the facts.
What has happened?
In February 2026, Katseye's management, HYBE x Geffen, announced that Manon would be taking a temporary hiatus to focus on her health and wellbeing, writing:
"We fully support this decision. Katseye remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right."
Shortly after, Manon shared her own statement via paid fan subscription service Weverse DMs, saying:
“Hi friends 🤍. I want you to hear this from me, I'm healthy, I'm okay, and I'm taking care of myself. Thank u for checking in! Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture. Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can't wait to see you again.”
How do rumours turn into "facts" online?
A hiatus means taking a break from work or public activities. It does not automatically mean someone has left a group permanently. But rumours have grown because Manon has not appeared in several of Katseye's recent projects and performances.
She also reportedly removed the word ‘KATSEYE’ from her Instagram bio as well as some Katseye-related photos which fuelled talk about her supposed departure. However, a popular haircare brand with a current Katseye collaboration, featured Manon on an Instagram post, sparking rumours of her return.
It didn't take long before social media users started connecting the dots and sharing their thoughts and opinions about whether Manon is still in Katseye or not. These posts have gained thousands of likes. But it's important to think carefully about what you're seeing and reading.
Misinformation is false or misleading information that is shared, even if the person posting it believes it is true. Sometimes people see a few details, such as an artist missing a music video, and draw their own conclusions. Those conclusions are then repeated and shared by other people until they sound like established facts.
Algorithms are designed to maximise engagement and play a part in the content you see online. The more a claim is shared and the more viral it becomes, the more believable it can seem, even if nobody knows where it came from in the first place.
Many of the posts about Manon appear to be fans making guesses based on limited information, rather than people intentionally trying to deceive others. But when those guesses are repeated over and over again, it can become difficult to tell the difference between what is really happening and speculation.
What do we actually know?
There have been no more official statements in the six months since Manon’s hiatus was first announced. Neither Manon nor HYBE x Geffen have confirmed that she has quit the group and they haven't confirmed if or when she will return from hiatus.
Other artists have recently spoken about taking time away from the spotlight to look after themselves and focus on their wellbeing.
Ariana Grande announced that she plans to step back from public facing work after finishing her Eternal Sunshine tour. Meanwhile, in an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, Blackpink's Jennie mentioned she’ll be taking a break following many demanding back-to-back events.
Going on a hiatus is becoming more common in the entertainment industry. It does not automatically mean someone's career, or their place in a group, is over. It just means they need time to rest and recover before resuming activities.
How can you check whether something is true or fake news online?
When you see a claim like 'Manon has left Katseye', ask yourself a few questions:
Who is saying it? Is it an official source, a news organisation or a social media fan account?
What is the evidence? Is there an official statement, or is the claim based on people guessing?
Are different sources reporting the same thing? Reliable news is usually confirmed by more than one trusted source.
Does the headline match the facts? Some posts use dramatic wording to encourage people to click, even if the story itself says something different.
Taking a few minutes to double check can stop misinformation spreading even further while waiting for accurate and official news.
This article was published in August 2026
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