KATSEYE Speaks Out for the First Time Since Sophia Laforteza Announced Hiatus

KATSEYE is breaking their silence for the first time since the announcement of Sophia Laforteza‘s hiatus.

If you didn’t know, the 23-year-old girl group member announced she is taking a temporary leave of absence from the girl group to focus on her mental health.

During the group’s performance without her on Saturday (August 8) at Head In The Clouds 2026 in Pasadena, Calif., member Lara Raj addressed the audience in a now viral clip being shared on social media.

Lara Raj Asks Fans to Support Sophia

“Before we jump into our next song, our sister Sophia cannot be here with us tonight. But I ask: can you guys please send Sophia your love?” she declared as the group roared back in support. Watch it here.

Sophia Misses Another KATSEYE Event

Fans were also notified by Weverse Global that Sophia will not be able to participate in KATSEYE‘s Wild Pre-Order 1:1 Video Call Fan Sign Event scheduled for August 21, and those that applied for or won a video call with Sophia can request a refund for their purchase.

Earlier in the month, Sophia was noticeably missing from the premiere of their new movie KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS in Los Angeles. At the time, the ladies that did attend the premiere said that Sophia was “sick” and wasn’t able to be there.

Last month, Sophia also dropped out of performing with KATSYE at the 2026 Hinterland Music Festival in Iowa.

Sophia is now the second member of KATSEYE to take a step back from the band after Manon Bannerman announced her own temporary leave of absence. In June, Sophia addressed rumors surrounding Manon‘s hiatus.

The post KATSEYE Speaks Out for the First Time Since Sophia Laforteza Announced Hiatus appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment.

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