Global girl group Katseye has made waves since their debut last year, but not without facing troubling challenges. The group, featuring Sophia Laforteza, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, and Jeung Yoonchae, has received sexist remarks and even death threats, which because of their visibility in the music industry.
Raj, of Indian and Sri Lankan descent, spoke to the BBC, saying, “Even if it’s not going to happen, it’s heavy.” She was also falsely reported to immigration for supposedly working illegally in the U.S. This experience led her to delete her X account, stating, “I realized I am not the audience for other people’s opinions.”
Laforteza echoed her sentiments, acknowledging that while the group signed up for fame, they are still human and affected by harsh comments directed at them and their families.
Katseye was formed in 2023, aiming to create what producers deemed “the first truly global girl group.” Starting with a talent search that attracted over 120,000 applicants, they were selected through a Netflix competition called The Debut: Dream Academy. Contestants went through rigorous training in a format that combined K-pop and Western pop elements before six members were finalized.
After launching with their single “Debut” in June 2024 and their first EP SIS (Soft Is Strong), they quickly rose to fame. Their English-language song “Touch” went viral on TikTok, gaining traction in both Asia and the U.S. Soon after, they entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts with “Gnarly.”
In a short time, they earned two Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist, and gained attention through high-profile festival appearances and brand campaigns.
Raj opened up about the impact of social media during their tour in Asia. She mentioned feeling overwhelmed by negativity and hate, especially after the release of a docu-series about their journey. Her emotional struggle culminated when she received death threats just before a performance in the Philippines.
The artist’s situation is not unique. Other performers face similar threats. For example, Morrissey canceled two shows this September after a credible death threat emerged. His situation demonstrates the growing concern over safety in the entertainment industry.
Social media remains a double-edged sword. While it offers artists a platform to engage with fans, it also exposes them to intense scrutiny and harassment. An Oxfam survey from 2022 found that 34% of women in the entertainment industry reported experiencing harassment online, emphasizing the need for better protections for artists.
As the conversation continues about online safety and misogyny, Katseye’s resilience shines through. They remind us that behind the glamorous facade of fame, real people endure real struggles.
