KATSEYE have defended Manon Bannerman’s ongoing hiatus from the group, rejecting claims that her absence is connected to race.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, the remaining five members said the speculation “quickly veered into conversations about race” and insisted it was not the case. Sophia Laforteza said it “goes against everything that we stand for,” while Daniela Avanzini added that the safest space for them was within the six of them and emphasized there is “nothing but love between us.”

The group also stated they stay in touch with Manon “here and there,” and said her departure is “not their story to tell.”