Rising global girl group Katseye has spoken out about the dark side of fame, revealing that the members have received thousands of online death threats since their debut last year.
Rising Fame Brings Harassment
The six-member group — Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae — hails from diverse countries, including the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States. Katseye officially entered the music scene in June 2024, quickly gaining international attention for their energetic performances and cross-cultural appeal.
In an interview with BBC News, the members shared that the online harassment has deeply affected their mental health, with some threats even targeting their families.
Members Speak on Racism and Sexism
Member Lara Raj, a 20-year-old American of Tamil Indian heritage, said she has faced racist abuse and was even falsely reported to US immigration authorities (ICE).
“I try to tell myself it doesn’t matter, but when thousands of people send death threats, it’s jarring,” Raj said. “Even if nothing happens, it’s still a lot to carry.”
To protect her mental health, Raj deleted her X account to avoid seeing negative comments. “I realised I am not the audience for other people’s opinions,” she said.
She also described the sexist scrutiny the group faces. “People see us as women to rank, judging our looks, singing, dancing, and then adding it up to give a score,” she added.
Mental Strain and Continued Success
Bandmate Manon Bannerman called the experience mentally exhausting, saying, “It feels extremely frightening for the mind.” Despite these struggles, Katseye continues to rise in the global music industry.
The group recently earned a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking a major milestone in their young career.
Career Highlights
Katseye debuted with their first single in 2024, followed by their hit song “Touch.” Later that year, they released their first EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong). In April 2025, they launched “Gnarly,” the lead single from their second EP, Beautiful Chaos.
Despite challenges, the group remains committed to their music and message of strength through unity and self-expression.
