Katseye singer Sophia Laforteza has announced she is temporarily stepping away from the group due to mental health reasons, according to an official statement from the label.
The label said Laforteza has been receiving "the utmost support" and consulting medical professionals, and has been advised to dedicate time to "extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery." The statement added: "While Sophia herself is eager to perform alongside her members, the health, safety, and long-term well-being of our artists will always remain our highest priority," noting that her condition will be reassessed in September.
In a separate statement, Laforteza wrote on Instagram: "Making this decision wasn't easy, but I'm learning that health has to come first. 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." She added: "It means more to me than I could ever say. I promise I'm going to work as hard as I can to get through this, heal properly, and come back stronger."
The six-member girl group formed in 2023 and was nominated for two Grammy Awards last year. The group will now continue events with four members. The group has previously said its members have received multiple online death threats since their debut.
In February, the label announced that Katseye member Bannerman would take a temporary break to focus on her health and wellbeing. She has not returned, but the label has said the door will always be open. The 23-year-old Swiss singer told fans she was "healthy" and "taking care of myself."
The group said the decision had been made following "open and thoughtful conversations together."