"She is not backing down with calling out haters"— Fans react as KATSEYE's Manon addresses hate comments following her absence from the MAMA Awards

On December 17, 2024, KATSEYE members Manon and Daniela came live to interact with fans. Manon made headlines following her absence from the 2024 MAMA Awards, sparking fan speculation and mixed reactions online. While KATSEYE impressed fans with a collaboration stage alongside the LA Rams Cheerleaders, the singer's absence was noticed, leading to a flurry of online discourse.

The agency shared a brief update on Weverse on November 21, 2024, explaining that Manon could not attend due to illness and was recovering. Despite the clarification, some netizens speculated that the idol skipped the event because of an inability to perform the group’s demanding choreography. She addressed the hate comments during the live broadcast alongside fellow member Daniela.

"Should I do a split for all those people who say I am not flexible? Let's address it," she said.

The artist then got up to show the split and dispelled the accusations with her flexibility. Fans praised her for standing up against negativity, calling her a true inspiration. An X user, @deniseb52028833, wrote,

"I love this for Manon! I'm so glad she is not backing down with calling out haters. Using every chance she has to put them in their place. Love her fierce and confident personality hope she never changes. More haters tears, for tea."

The group's fans, known as EYEKONs, were quick to rally behind the artist after her response. Social media buzzed with praise for her and the group's ability to always address the hate comments.

"one thing about my girls, they will address it!! LOVE THEM FOR THAT," an X user wrote.

"love how they're media trained but at the same time they can also clock haters in the coolest and non offensive way i just i love this for them," a fan commented.

"I know we say this all the time but I’m so glad KATSEYE is not kpop like imagine being able to clock your haters on live," another person added.

"wait i thought manon used to be a gymnast? that makes the allegations wrong right off the bat ?," a fan wrote.

Many applauded her for addressing the criticism so directly, with some jokingly suggesting her haters were now "stunted."

"She’s so chill about the hate and always debunk it," an X user wrote.

"quite literally [stunted on them haters]," a fan mentioned.

"Screaming. People thought they could talk their sh*t about this girl all during mama without her clapping back eventually. But they don’t be realizing that she don’t gotta behave and deal with hate the way these K labels make their idols do so. Y’all gone get it again and again," a user wrote.

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More about Manon calling out haters

This isn’t the first time the singer has faced online speculation. Earlier this year, she and fellow member Lara tackled rumors of discord within the group after the release of Netflix’s docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE. The duo took to social media with a witty post stating, “We’re literally fine lol,” to assure fans of their strong bond.

Formed through HYBE and Geffen Records’ survival show The Debut: Dream Academy, the idol group debuted as KATSEYE on June 28, 2024, with their single Debut. The six-member global girl group comprised:

1. Manon (Switzerland)
2. Sophia (Philippines)
3. Yoonchae (South Korea)
4. Meghan (United States)
5. Daniela (United States)
6. Lara (United States)

Their EP SIS (Soft Is Strong), released in August 2024, featured hits like Touch and Tonight I Might. The EP debuted at No. 119 on the Billboard 200 and No. 27 on the South Korean Circle Chart.

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The group recently performed at the 2024 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball. They surprised with a backstage performance, recreating the Mean Girl's “Jingle Bell Rock” routine.