Is KATSEYE secretly preparing Daniela to be the next visual after Manon? Copycat accusations rock girl group amid Swiss star's shock hiatus
Shivani Negi | Feb 23, 2026, 00:00 IST
KATSEYE’s fandom is in meltdown after Manon’s sudden hiatus and cryptic message hinted at forces beyond her control. Fresh controversy erupted as fans accused Daniela of copying Manon’s signature look, while comments from Daniela’s father fueled fears of a permanent lineup change.
Image credit : X/@KATSEYE World | KATSEYE in turmoil as Manon's hiatus sparks copycat claims against Daniela
The global girl group KATSEYE, formed through the intense competition of The Debut: Dream Academy, has always prided itself on its message of unity and sisterhood. However, the fandom, known as EYEKONS, is currently navigating a period of intense turmoil and speculation. The girl group has been shattered by a perfect storm of controversy after Manon Bannerman's shocking hiatus announcement. However, new inflammatory comments and accusations of identity theft have further rocked the fandom.
At the center of this controversy are members Manon and Daniela Avanzini, with fans dissecting every piece of content for clues about the future of the six-piece act.
![Mixed messages from KATSEYE and Manon Bannerman fuel speculation that her “temporary” hiatus may not be so temporary after all.]()
However, it was Manon's response that ignited speculation. In a message that felt distinct from the label's corporate language, the singer addressed fans directly. "I'm healthy, I'm okay, and I'm taking care of myself," she wrote, countering claims of an acute health crisis. The most scrutinised part was her acknowledgement of external forces: "Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture." To fans, this signalled a disconnect between the label's narrative and Manon's reality, hinting that her hiatus may not have been voluntary.
As the news of the hiatus settled, new drama began to unfold on social media. Fans, already on high alert, began to notice a shift in the styling of member Daniela. Accusations quickly spread that Daniela was attempting to "take over" Manon's position as a visual of the group by allgedly copying her 'signature aesthetic'.
Historically, the two members had distinct looks: Daniela, a Latina, was known for her bright blonde hair and fresh, sweet makeup, while Manon, the only Black member of the group, was famous for her sultry image, characterised by bold makeup, deeper features, and dark, sunkissed hair.
Recently, fans pointed out that Daniela had dyed her hair a similar dark shade to Manon's and had adopted more sultry makeup style involving freckles, pouty lips, and straight brows, which many consider Manon's trademark.
At the center of this controversy are members Manon and Daniela Avanzini, with fans dissecting every piece of content for clues about the future of the six-piece act.
'I'm trusting the bigger picture': Manon breaks her silence
Following the official notice posted by HxG (HYBE x Geffen) on Weverse late Friday night, the KATSEYE fandom was sent into a tailspin. The label's stated that Manon would be taking a "temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing" . It assured fans that the group would continue their scheduled activities and that the decision was made after "open and thoughtful conversations".
Image credit : X/@katseyeworld | Mixed messages from KATSEYE and Manon Bannerman fuel speculation that her “temporary” hiatus may not be so temporary after all.
However, it was Manon's response that ignited speculation. In a message that felt distinct from the label's corporate language, the singer addressed fans directly. "I'm healthy, I'm okay, and I'm taking care of myself," she wrote, countering claims of an acute health crisis. The most scrutinised part was her acknowledgement of external forces: "Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture." To fans, this signalled a disconnect between the label's narrative and Manon's reality, hinting that her hiatus may not have been voluntary.
Copycat accusations: Is Daniela stealing Manon's look?
As the news of the hiatus settled, new drama began to unfold on social media. Fans, already on high alert, began to notice a shift in the styling of member Daniela. Accusations quickly spread that Daniela was attempting to "take over" Manon's position as a visual of the group by allgedly copying her 'signature aesthetic'.
Historically, the two members had distinct looks: Daniela, a Latina, was known for her bright blonde hair and fresh, sweet makeup, while Manon, the only Black member of the group, was famous for her sultry image, characterised by bold makeup, deeper features, and dark, sunkissed hair.
Recently, fans pointed out that Daniela had dyed her hair a similar dark shade to Manon's and had adopted more sultry makeup style involving freckles, pouty lips, and straight brows, which many consider Manon's trademark.
once she copied her brows I was like hm https://t.co/WdNlNZjw7m
— cartiluvr (@marcuseast396) February 22, 2026
'The show must go on": Daniela's father fans the flames
Furthermore, the involvement of Daniela's father, Rafael Avanzini, provided the "smoking gun" for many fans convinced of internal discord. Rafael allegedly took to the comments section of a viral Instagram video by creator Patty Eminger, which carried the dramatic title "IT'S OFFICIAL MANON IS LEAVING KATSEYE INDEFINITELY" .
Rather than ignoring the speculative content or supporting his daughter's group as a sextet, Rafael chose to comment. "THE SHOW MUST GO ON ! With or without a member . KATSEYE IS BIGGER THAN ONE GIRL ," he wrote in a now-deleted post . Screenshots of the comment, along with others where he reportedly wrote "5 is ok too" and "Come back when you ready to work," have been circulating on X (formerly Twitter) .
A permanent goodbye? Fans fear Manon is leaving for good
The culmination of these events, the contrasting statements from HxG and Manon has led to a pervasive fear among the EYEKON that Manon's "temporary" hiatus is actually the beginning of a permanent exit.
Online discourse is rife with theories that Manon is being "phased out" of the group, a suspicion fueled by the non-corporate language in her personal note . The fact that Daniela's father felt comfortable commenting on the group's lineup as if Manon were already gone has only reinforced the narrative that those within the inner circle do not view the six-member lineup as permanent .
In response, a faction of the fandom has declared they will be joining Manon on her hiatus. But many fans also await for the "right time" for Manon's return, as stated by HxG in their official statement.
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