Sophia Laforteza, a member of the pop group Katseye, has announced a temporary break from her career to prioritize her mental health following medical advice.
Record label HYBE x Geffen Records confirmed the temporary hiatus in a statement reported by news outlets including the BBC, explaining that health professionals recommended extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery. The label emphasized that prioritizing mental health and well-being is imperative.
Laforteza stated on her Instagram account that making the decision was not easy, but she was learning that health must come first. She added that without caring for her body and mind now, she would be unable to continue doing what she loves most in the long term.
Her departure comes several months after another member, Manon Bannerman, also stepped back from the group. Originally launched with six members, Katseye has now been reduced to four active performers following the departures.
High-profile artists pause careers for mental health
Laforteza joins a growing number of music artists who have chosen to pause their careers to address psychological distress. In early 2022, Belgian singer Stromae marked a major moment in public discussions on the topic when he performed his track L'enfer live on the 8pm news broadcast on French television network TF1.
Watched by more than seven million viewers, Stromae spoke on camera during a continuous single-take shot about his deep distress and having experienced suicidal thoughts that made him feel as though he was living through hell.
The appearance was praised by both viewers and the medical community. Dr Christophe Debien, a psychiatrist at Lille University Hospital (CHU de Lille), told Le Figaro that discussing suicide and mental illness in the media remains rare. Debien noted that public figures create a vertical identification effect with audiences and hold significant responsibility, adding that the song could have a preventive impact on suicidal behavior.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) publicly thanked Stromae on social media platform X for raising the sensitive topic of suicide. Beyond speaking out, the Papaoutai singer canceled his concert tour in 2023 for medical reasons, having previously taken a long career break in 2016 to prioritize his health over his career.
Other prominent performers have also taken steps back amidst demanding tour schedules and intense media pressure. Singer Ariana Grande announced plans to step back from public life following her Eternal Sunshine Tour, with a spokesperson citing relentless and constant public scrutiny. Performers including Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Doja Cat, Lola Young, and Lomepal have similarly taken time away or spoken publicly about managing depression and anxiety.
Mental health risks in the music industry
The decisions by individual artists highlight broader systemic issues within the music industry. A 2017 survey conducted by the University of Westminster revealed that musicians face a significantly higher risk of developing mental health disorders than members of the general population.
In France, the Cura collective issued a report in 2019 detailing widespread psychological distress across the music sector. The study reported that four out of five surveyed industry workers experienced anxiety, stress, depression, or sleep disorders either sometimes or often.
Shkyd, a co-founder of the Cura collective, told Libération that individuals who sprain an ankle routinely seek medical care, and mental health should be treated in the same manner. He added that personal vulnerabilities within the music industry are sometimes unhealthily used as marketing arguments.
Wider public health challenges
Mental health challenges extend well beyond the entertainment sector into the general public. According to the WHO, mental health disorders affect more than one billion people worldwide. In 2025, the Director-General of the WHO warned that transforming mental health services represents one of the most pressing public health challenges.
In response to rising concerns, France designated mental health as its National Grand Cause for both 2025 and 2026.
