KATSEYE has provided an update on member Sophia Laforteza’s ongoing hiatus as the group prepares for their highly anticipated WILDWORLD tour.
The 2026 WILDWORLD tour, spanning the UK, Europe, and North America, is set to kick off on September 1. The itinerary includes major performances at London’s The O2 and Manchester’s Co-op Live.
The update follows less than a month after Laforteza, the group’s leader, announced she would be stepping away temporarily to prioritize her mental health.
In a statement shared through their official channels on August 30, the group revealed: “We would like to share an update regarding Sophia’s upcoming schedule.”
The message, posted across their Instagram Story, Weverse, and signed jointly by HYBE and Geffen Records, stated: “Sophia is focusing on her well-being, and the company remains fully committed to providing her with all the support and resources needed.”
The statement clarified that Laforteza “will not be participating in the Wildworld Tour in Europe and the UK,” while emphasizing: “We sincerely ask for EYEKONS’ warm understanding, as our highest priority will always be the health and long-term well-being of our artists.”
KATSEYE’s Sophia will not be participating in the UK & European leg of their upcoming tour:
“Sophia is focusing on her well-being, and the company remains fully committed to providing her with all the support and resources needed.” pic.twitter.com/YRmKjO0p2Z
— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 30, 2026
This marks the second member to take a hiatus in recent months, following Manon Bannerman’s temporary departure earlier this year to focus on her health and wellbeing.
In a personal message shared on her Instagram Story, Laforteza expressed her disappointment: “It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot. You know how much I love being on stage, performing, and sharing these moments with you. Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m learning that health has to come first.”
She continued: “I’m realizing that if I don’t take care of my mind and body now, I won’t be able to keep doing what I love the most for so long.”
HYBE x Geffen Records confirmed that Laforteza “will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities,” adding that “Sophia has been receiving the utmost support, and following thorough consultations with medical professionals, it has been advised that she take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery.”
Meanwhile, the group recently addressed speculation surrounding Bannerman’s absence, stating that racial commentary “goes against everything that we stand for.”
KATSEYE also withdrew from Olivia Rodrigo’s inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival earlier this year due to an injury to another member.
The group recently released their new EP ‘Wild’, which received three stars from NME in a review noting: “By the end of it all, though, where KATSEYE go next is no clearer. You’d hope by the time their eventual debut album comes around, they’ll have found the sweet spot between chart-friendly and boundary-pushing without compromising on quality or edge.”
The release of ‘WILD’ follows last year’s ‘Beautiful Chaos’, which featured the track ‘Gnarly’ – named by NME as the fifth best song of 2025.
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