Katseye member Sophia Laforteza will be absent from the UK and European section of the group’s forthcoming “Wildworld” tour, which is set to begin on Tuesday.
In a message shared on social media, Katseye’s label explained that Laforteza remains committed to “focusing on her well-being” after beginning a temporary break from the group in early August. “The company remains fully committed to providing her with all the support and resources needed,” the statement said. “Sophia will not be participating in THE WILDWORLD TOUR in Europe and the UK scheduled from September 1 through September 17.”
The announcement continued: “We sincerely ask for EYEKONS’ warm understanding, as our highest priority will always be the health and long-term well-being of our artists. We will share further updates as they become available. Please continue to send your love, warmth, and support to Sophia and KATSEYE.”
Several hours after the official statement appeared, Laforteza addressed the decision through her Instagram Story. She apologised for being unable to join the tour and revealed that she has been receiving “ongoing treatment.”
“I can’t express enough how much i want to participate in this tour and perform for you all,” her message read in part. “I have to remind myself every day that our health and mental well-being should always be prioritized… I’ve been in ongoing treatment and doing everything i can to stay healthy, occupied and happy. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
The development adds another challenge to a year filled with significant changes for Katseye. Shortly after the group performed at the Grammys in February, Manon Bannerman announced a temporary break to “focus on her health and wellbeing.” Laforteza made a similar announcement earlier this month, explaining that she needed to prioritise her “mental health and wellness.” Days before the group was expected to appear at Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Festival, Katseye also withdrew from the lineup because of Megan Skiendiel’s ankle injury.
Despite these difficulties, Katseye has continued growing into a major pop act. The group secured its first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 when “Wild” topped the chart in August. The “Wildworld” tour is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at Dublin’s 3Arena before travelling to Paris, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Katseye will then return to the United States for an extensive North American run starting on October 13 at Miami’s Kaseya Center.
