Global girl group Katseye have disclosed that they have faced thousands of death threats online, with the abuse also targeting their families, even as they celebrate a Grammy nomination and chart success. The six-member band, formed through a Hybe and Geffen collaboration, described the harassment as ‘jarring’ and ‘heavy,’ underscoring the challenges of modern fame.
The threats began after Katseye’s debut last year and have intensified with their growing popularity. In an interview with BBC News, the members shared that the messages are not only directed at them but also at their families, making the experience particularly distressing. Lara Raj, one of the singers, stated, ‘I try to tell myself it doesn’t matter, but if 1,000 people are sending you death threats, it’s jarring.’ Another member, Manon Bannerman, added that it feels ‘very terrorising on the mind,’ highlighting the psychological toll.
Raj, who is of Tamil Indian heritage and a US citizen, has also been subjected to racist comments, including being falsely reported to immigration authorities. She deleted her Twitter account to avoid the negativity, realizing she is ‘not the audience for other people’s opinions.’ The band members pointed out the sexist nature of much of the abuse, with people ranking them based on appearance and talent. Sophia Laforteza noted that while they expected public scrutiny, the level of hatred has been overwhelming.
This kind of aggressive behavior is not unique to Katseye; it reflects a broader issue in fan communities. Last year, artists like Chappell Roan and Doja Cat spoke out against nonconsensual interactions and creepy fan behavior. Muna criticized supporters for spreading falsehoods, indicating a pattern where fame invites invasive and harmful actions from some fans. Katseye’s experience adds to the conversation about the need for better online safety and respect for artists’ privacy.
Despite the online harassment, Katseye are enjoying a remarkable year of professional achievements. Their second EP, ‘Beautiful Chaos,’ peaked at number two on the US album charts, driven by hits like ‘Gnarly’ and ‘Gabriella.’ A Gap advertisement they starred in went viral, amassing 400 million plays and 8 billion social media impressions. They recently won best performance at the MTV Awards and made history as only the third girl group ever nominated for best new artist at the Grammys.
The band’s diversity is a core part of their identity, with members from various backgrounds including the US, India, Ghana, Italy, Singapore, Philippines, and South Korea. Formed through ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ reality show, they underwent rigorous training in the K-pop system but blend Western influences in their music. Their success with songs like ‘Gnarly,’ which was called ‘the future of K-pop’ by The New York Times, shows their cultural impact. They aim to inspire fans to embrace their heritage, as Bannerman said, ‘to show the girlies out there to be proud of where they come from.’
Looking ahead, Katseye continue to tour and promote their music, with a sold-out US tour imminent. They encourage other artists from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams, with Raj emphasizing, ‘Our skin colour, our culture is our power. Use it and own it.’ The band’s resilience in the face of adversity highlights both the pitfalls and potentials of global stardom, calling for greater awareness and action against online abuse in the entertainment industry.
