KATSEYE directly addressed the controversy surrounding member Manon's activity hiatus in an interview with Vanity Fair published on the 30th (local time). In the interview featuring Sophia Laporte, Daniella Avanzini, Lara Laj, Meagan Schindel, and Jung Yoon Chae, Sophia clearly stated, "This was never about race" and emphasized that "it goes against everything we stand for." Lara stressed, "The safest space for us is between the six of us," adding "there is nothing but love between us." The members confirmed they maintain occasional contact with Manon and expressed positivity about Manon attending Coachella this year as a spectator rather than performing. Manon announced her temporary hiatus in February through agency HYBE citing health and wellness reasons, but she posted on SNS shortly after stating she was "healthy and doing well," sparking speculation about internal conflict. Racial discrimination allegations emerged after Manon, a Black member born in Switzerland, liked posts about racism faced by Black members in Western girl groups and followed activists known for publicly addressing racial discrimination.