Pop group Katseye have confirmed that singer Sophia Laforteza will not perform during the European and United Kingdom leg of their Wildworld world tour, with management saying she is stepping back to focus on her “well‑being”. The band are due to begin the run of dates on 1 September and finish the UK and European portion on 17 September.
Company statement and medical advice
The group’s management — a collaboration between South Korean entertainment company Hybe and US label Geffen Records (together referred to as HxG) — said Laforteza would not participate in the tour while she takes time to recover. HxG added that it remained committed to providing support and resources for the singer.
“Sophia is focusing on her well‑being, and the company remains fully committed to providing her with all the support and resources needed. Sophia will not be participating in The Wildworld Tour in Europe and the UK scheduled from September 1 through September 17. Our highest priority will always be the health and long‑term well‑being of our artists. Please continue to send your love, warmth, and support to Sophia and Katseye.”
The announcement echoes an earlier decision this year when fellow member Manon Bannerman stepped back from activity for similar reasons in February. HxG has previously said Laforteza had been advised by medical professionals to take “dedicated time for extended rest” to ensure a full recovery.
Tour impact and context
The development comes days before Katseye kick off the Wildworld tour, which includes a scheduled show in Dublin followed by dates in cities such as London, New York and Mexico City. The group rose quickly to international attention after being formed in 2023 on the competition show The Debut: Dream Academy and have since released two EPs — SIS (Soft Is Strong) and Beautiful Chaos — and singles including Touch, Gnarly and Gabriela.
Katseye were recognised at the 2026 Grammy Awards with nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Group Performance for their song Gabriela. The group’s membership consists of Laforteza, Bannerman, Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Absence | Sophia Laforteza — not participating in European and UK dates (1–17 September) |
| Previous similar case | Manon Bannerman — stepped back in February for health reasons |
| Notable releases | EPs: SIS (Soft Is Strong); Beautiful Chaos — singles include Touch, Gnarly, Gabriela |
| Grammy recognition | Nominations in 2026 for Best New Artist and Best Pop Group Performance (Gabriela) |
What happens next
HxG’s statement invited fans to continue offering support to both Laforteza and the rest of Katseye. It did not set out how the band will adjust performances for the dates in question, or whether staging, choreography or set lists will be altered. Promoters and ticket agents typically announce such details closer to each show if changes are required, and fans are advised to check official channels for updates.
- Dates affected: European and UK leg, 1–17 September
- Immediate shows: first scheduled stop in Dublin, then London and other cities
- Band line‑up: six members, with two members having taken temporary breaks for health reasons within the past year
The episode sits within a broader conversation about the pressures faced by artists working in the global pop industry, where intensive promotion and touring schedules can strain physical and mental health. Katseye’s management has reiterated that the singer’s long‑term health is the priority as the band proceed with the international campaign behind one of its members temporarily absent.
For official updates on adjustments to shows and ticketing, fans should consult Katseye’s and HxG’s announced channels.
