21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
KATSEYE faces backlash as fans accuse HYBE of mistreating and sidelining Manon in group promotions
KATSEYE faces backlash as fans accuse HYBE of mistreating and sidelining Manon in group promotions
Global girl group KATSEYE, formed through HYBE and Geffen Records' joint project, is facing mounting backlash as fans express concern over the visible absence of member Manon in recent group promotions.
The growing controversy began earlier this week when a tweet highlighting Manon's minimal screen time and lack of presence in multiple appearances went viral.
Glossier billboard, HYBEbae, now monster high. They trying to ice my girl out.
— DRE on STRIKE (@KATZmanon21) July 19, 2025
Supporters quickly compiled numerous examples, including her exclusion from a billboard celebration with Glossier.
In group photos, Manon was noticeably absent, and in one case, her face on the billboard was obscured by another member.
Fans also pointed out her individual image was missing from a recent group interview with Hypebae, and that she had limited presence in the group's video collaboration with Monster High.
Tensions reached a tipping point as fans expressed frustration, arguing the pattern was too frequent to dismiss. Many questioned why the only Black member of KATSEYE would be continually sidelined, sparking broader conversations about representation and racial sensitivity in global entertainment projects.
Online comparisons were swiftly drawn to similar concerns raised in the past with Black members of other pop groups, such as Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix and Normani of Fifth Harmony.
Critics called for transparency from HYBE and Geffen Records, but neither the company nor KATSEYE's official accounts have issued a public response.
