Black Girl Group Members Report Racism During Hiatus

Manon Bannerman has temporarily stepped away from Katseye to focus on her health and wellbeing, according to a recent announcement by HYBE and Geffen Records. This news follows a period of increased scrutiny and online harassment for the group since their debut in 2024.

Formation and Early Challenges

Katseye, a six-member group formed through the Netflix reality series Dream Academy, emerged from a pool of over 120,000 applicants. The final lineup consists of Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, Yoonchae Jeung, and Bannerman. While the group has found comfort in navigating the unconventional realities of their careers together, they have also faced an uptick in hate and death threats. Bannerman, as the sole Black member, experiences a unique sense of isolation, with few individuals truly understanding her perspective.

Past Experiences and Industry Pressures

Michelle Kim, a casting director, discovered Bannerman on social media and invited her to audition for Dream Academy, despite her lack of prior training. Bannerman’s departure echoes experiences shared by other Black women in girl groups, including Normani of Fifth Harmony and Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix. These artists have spoken about facing racism, feeling overlooked, and being held to higher standards than their counterparts. Melody Thornton, of the Pussycat Dolls, shared a similar experience, noting the pressure to “prevail through any adversity” as the “Black girl” in the group.

Recent Interviews and Speculation

Bannerman’s current situation aligns with comments she made in a recent interview with the Cut, where she discussed the criticism she has received, particularly regarding accusations of laziness. She highlighted the unfairness of being labeled lazy, especially as a Black woman, and the pressure to constantly prove herself. Fans have speculated about the circumstances surrounding her leave, but a supportive network of women has formed around Bannerman.

Impact on Katseye and the Music Industry

The departure of Bannerman, even temporarily, could have a lasting impact on Katseye, who are scheduled to perform at multiple Lollapalooza iterations and Coachella in April. Makhyli Simpson, a member of the disbanded girl group Boys World, acknowledged the difficulty of navigating the group’s dynamics without Bannerman. The situation also raises broader questions about the treatment of Black women in the music industry, where they often face systemic challenges and are expected to endure mistreatment.

Merchandise and Industry Practices

HYBE and Geffen Records have positioned Katseye as walking billboards for various brands, and a recent merchandise quiz included a question specifically about Bannerman’s perceived best feature, prompting concerns about the distortion of her narrative. The group’s situation highlights the broader trend of entertainment companies prioritizing image and sales over the wellbeing of their artists, particularly Black women who are often expected to absorb disproportionate pressure.