Chart-topping girl group KATSEYE has pulled out of Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields music festival after member Megan Skiendiel sprained her ankle during rehearsal.
The withdrawal on Thursday leaves the Los Angeles-based pop group with just three active performing members, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, and Yoonchae Jeung, just days before their sold-out world tour begins.
KATSEYE originally launched as a six-member global ensemble, but line-up changes and medical breaks have rapidly reduced their active performing roster. Group member Manon Bannerman went on an extended hiatus for health reasons on February 20, leaving the act promoting as a quintet throughout the spring and summer. Sophia Laforteza then stepped back from group activities on August 7 to focus on her personal health and wellness.
Skiendiel's ankle injury during rehearsal occurred while the group was preparing for their upcoming headlining concert dates. In an official statement released to fans, the performer confirmed her doctor's advice and expressed her deep regret over missing the scheduled festival appearance alongside American singer Olivia Rodrigo.
"Yesterday I sprained my ankle during tour rehearsal and my doctors have advised me to stay off it and let it heal so I can be ready for tour," Skiendiel said. "I'm heartbroken to miss Daisy Chain Fields, especially because of everything this festival stands for. I'm sending all my love to Olivia and to all of the incredible artists, non-profit organizations and volunteers who have given their time to make this day so special."
She added that she expects to recover in time to participate in the group's headlining tour, stating: "It's going to be such an amazing day, and I can't wait to see everyone out on tour."
Status of sold-out Wildworld tour
KATSEYE's sold-out Wildworld arena tour is scheduled to commence on September 1 with an opening performance in Dublin, the capital of Ireland. The extensive international itinerary includes multiple concert dates in London, the capital of the United Kingdom, and venues across Continental Europe, before heading across the Atlantic for dates in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The sequence of health setbacks has prompted fans on social media platforms to express concern over whether the concert tour will proceed with only three performing members or face potential cancellations. While Skiendiel has stated she plans to join the tour, Laforteza's participation remains uncertain.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the 23-year-old singer's condition will be reassessed by medical professionals in early September before a decision is made regarding her return to stage activities. In the meantime, fans have spotted Laforteza visiting Disneyland, the famed theme park resort in Anaheim, California, and spending time with friends.
Speaking to Vogue Philippines, Laforteza's mother, Carla, shared that her daughter goes to Disneyland every day while focusing on domestic creative hobbies. Carla noted that her daughter is baking, painting, and doing everything to get mentally well. Record label Hybe, the global entertainment company behind the group, has been contacted by the Daily Mail for comment regarding the group's lineup and tour status.
Chart success and industry background
Despite the recent health challenges and roster changes, KATSEYE has achieved major commercial success with their newest music release. Their five-track EP, titled Wild, recently debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart, the primary weekly music ranking in the United States, after selling 170,000 copies in its first week of release.
The commercial milestone represents the largest US first-week sales tally for a female group since Danity Kane released Welcome to the Dollhouse in 2008. The EP has spawned several hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, including Animal, which reached No. 24, Hootie Frutti, which debuted at No. 31, and the fan-favorite track Pinky Up.
The Los Angeles-based group was originally formed in 2023 through the reality competition program Dream Academy, a global talent search initiative. Their breakthrough hit single Gabriela reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned the group a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. The ensemble was also nominated for Best New Artist at the ceremony, an award ultimately won by British solo singer Olivia Dean.
The rapid rise to international prominence and the intense pressure of pop stardom led the group to retain professional mental health support last year. In November, KATSEYE revealed they had hired a dedicated therapist to assist the members in navigating sudden fame and widespread death threats sent online.
Member Lara Raj reflected on the psychological toll of public harassment during an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. "I try to tell myself it doesn't matter, but if 1,000 people are sending you death threats... even if it's not going to happen... it's heavy, and it's jarring," Raj stated.
