Katseye’s Sophia to Temporarily Step Back From Group to Prioritize Her ‘Mental Health and Wellness’

Katseye member Sophia Laforteza has announced that she’s taking a temporary step back from the group’s upcoming promotional activities, emphasizing that she needs to prioritize her “mental health and wellness.”

In a post on Weverse, the group revealed that she has the “utmost support” from the band. “Following thorough consultations with medical professionals, it has been advised that she take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery,” reads the statement. “While Sophia herself is eager to perform alongside her members, the health, safety, and long-term well-being of our artists will always remain our highest priority.”

Laforteza also posted her own separate statement on social media, sharing that she’s heartbroken over the decision to take a break from the group. “It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot,” she wrote. “You know how much I love being on stage, performing, and sharing these moments with you. Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m learning that health has to come first. I’m realizing that if I don’t take care of my mind and body now, I won’t be able to keep doing what I love the most for so long.”

Laforteza was absent from the premiere of the “Katseye: Wild Hearts” documentary on Wednesday in Los Angeles. When asked on the carpet about her absence, Katseye’s Lara Raj told Variety, “She’s not feeling well, but she says hi.”

The announcement of Laforteza’s temporary hiatus comes in the wake of member Manon Bannerman announcing her own temporary hiatus in February. The global girl group, which also includes Daniela Avanzini, Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung, is gearing up for the release of its “Wild” EP, due on August 13, ahead of a tour this fall.