KATSEYE Members Report Countless Death Threats: “It’s Heavy and Jarring”

KATSEYE are learning that fame often comes with a bleak underside. In a candid sit-down with BBC News posted Wednesday (Nov. 12), the sextet described the steady stream of online vitriol — and even death threats — they’ve endured since their 2024 debut.

Member Lara Raj explained that as the group’s profile grows, so do the stakes and the pressure. She said that even though they try to shrug off the commentary, criticism still lands: it wears on you because, at the end of the day, they’re human.

“When thousands of people are sending threats, it shakes you,” Lara added, noting that the sheer volume of hostility can feel overwhelming even when the threats aren’t credible.

Interviewer Mark Savage expressed surprise that the band had encountered such intense backlash so early in their career. Sophia Laforteza confirmed that the abuse has extended beyond the members themselves — friends and family have also been targeted online.

Sophia acknowledged that public life invites scrutiny: they understood this would come with being in the spotlight, but awareness doesn’t erase the emotional impact. The members said having one another makes a real difference; they lean on the band’s close-knit support when things get rough.

The interview arrives as KATSEYE’s popularity accelerates in 2025. The group recently earned a Best New Artist Grammy nomination ahead of next year’s awards — a milestone Megan described as validation for all the effort and long hours the band has put in.

That recognition follows a rapid rise: KATSEYE formed on the competition series Dream Academy, released their debut single “Debut” in 2024, and later notched their first Billboard Hot 100 entry with “Gnarly.” This fall they reached the top 40 with “Gabriela,” which also picked up a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Watch KATSEYE’s full interview in the player above.

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