Did KATSEYE’s Megan Skiendiel and Lara Raj influence Manon’s hiatus? Inside the viral rumours dividing fans
Photo: AFP
KATSEYE has found itself at the center of intense online speculation after member Manon Bannerman stepped back from group activities earlier this year.
While the group’s label, HYBE x Geffen Records, stated that the hiatus was due to health and wellbeing, viral rumors have pushed a very different narrative, one that has sharply divided the fandom.
The controversy largely stems from anonymous posts and social media discussions suggesting that fellow members Megan Skiendiel and Lara Raj may have played a role in Manon’s absence. These claims, however, remain unverified, with no official confirmation supporting the allegations.
According to the label, Manon’s hiatus followed internal discussions focused on her health, with the group continuing activities as five members in the meantime. Manon herself later reassured fans that she was doing well, though her comments about certain situations being beyond personal control led to widespread interpretation and concern among fans.
let me get this right… katseye was spreading manon’s business around LA and once harry daniels traced it back to them, they cut him off and now his friends on podcasts talking about he and manon can relate to falling out with katseye pic.twitter.com/isy5Jrxmxk
That uncertainty quickly became fuel for speculation. Some fans began connecting her hiatus to past tensions dating back to Dream Academy, where Manon had previously faced criticism regarding attendance and commitment. These resurfaced narratives added weight to ongoing theories about internal group dynamics, despite a lack of concrete evidence.
The most explosive claims originated from an anonymous online post that circulated widely across platforms. It alleged that Megan and Lara were frustrated with Manon’s position and visibility within the group and may have pushed for changes behind the scenes. Additional speculation also pointed to perceived industry connections and favoritism, though none of these assertions have been substantiated.
Day by day this Reddit post starts to get more accurate and accurate. Megan and Lara we see yall! Manon get yo shit and let’s go! pic.twitter.com/DidYYRGLBw
Fan reactions have been deeply divided. Some users have openly accused Megan and Lara, expressing anger and disappointment, while others have strongly pushed back against the rumors, calling them baseless and harmful. Many fans have emphasized that believing anonymous claims without proof risks creating unnecessary division within the fandom.
Manon I’m sorry this is happening to you, let’s get you some real sisters. They been plotting on you since the beginning! pic.twitter.com/MKbrr2i1C1
Public comments from members have only added to the speculation. In a pre-event interview, fellow member Sophia highlighted professionalism despite challenges, while Lara referred to Manon as “family” and stressed the importance of giving her space. While some interpreted these statements as supportive, others scrutinized the tone, searching for hidden meaning, further fueling online debate.
At the same time, a growing section of the fandom has shifted focus away from individual members and toward management. Critics argue that the pressures of a global rollout, intense schedules, and industry expectations may be more likely explanations for Manon’s hiatus than interpersonal conflict. Calls to avoid targeting specific members have become increasingly common across fan spaces.
As of now, there is no verified evidence that Megan Skiendiel or Lara Raj influenced Manon’s decision to step back. The narrative remains driven largely by speculation, fragmented interpretations, and viral amplification rather than confirmed facts.
Manon continues to remain on hiatus, with KATSEYE promoting as five members. Until clearer information emerges, the situation highlights how quickly online rumors can escalate, especially in global fandoms where limited official details often leave space for assumption.
For now, the biggest divide isn’t within KATSEYE itself, but among fans trying to make sense of what’s real and what isn’t.