Cradle of Filth has officially fired guitarist Marek “Ashok” Smerda after he and his wife and keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff issued statements expressing dissatisfaction with the band's management and sharing confidential contracts on social media.
Shortly after former keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff posted about her reasons for leaving the band, accusing the group's management of being "dishonest, manipulative" and trying to "steal money," the official Cradle of Filth issued the following statement via social media:
"It is with regret that Cradle Of Filth officially announces the dismissal of guitarist Marek 'Ashok' Smerda from the band, effective immediately. Despite all attempts to defame and illegally disrupt the band, Cradle Of Filth will NOT cancel any of our shows in South America. Although fans will have to endure the fact that we are a band with only one live guitarist. This is clear until Ashok's temporary replacement arrives to join the tour in a few days."
We appreciate everyone's understanding in this terrible situation. We are all shocked by the proceedings and will share our version of these unfortunate events soon. Please respect our decision to part ways with Ashok now, and not at the end of the tour, and refrain from speculation, as further clarification on the situation will be provided. The rest of the band is calm, albeit surprised, and the accusations against the management, who work very closely with me and the band, are completely unfair and unfounded.
Patience is a virtue, and the truth will always come out. Thank you once again, fellow Filthlings, and we look forward to the rest of The Screaming Of The Americas here in Uruguay and beyond.
Your friend, Dani
The departure of Zoë Marie Federoff and Ashok
The departure of Marek “Ashok” Smerda and keyboardist Zoë Marie Federoff from Cradle of Filth occurred unexpectedly during the band's Latin American tour, generating speculation among fans. Federoff's decision to leave the group suddenly preceded Ashok's announcement that he would also be leaving at the end of the tour.
The couple explained that their departure was due to professional and personal reasons . They claimed that the band was not prioritizing its members, in addition to the work being exhausting for a relatively low salary, and the environment being stressful and "unprofessional."
Furthermore, Federoff revealed in a publication that the turmoil within the band took a toll on his life and marriage, even leading to a miscarriage during the tour. This departure, coupled with accusations of financial and environmental difficulties, marks a significant transitional moment for Cradle of Filth.
Former keyboardist Zoe Federoff blames vocalist Dani Filth.
In addition to the accusations against management, Zoe blamed vocalist Dani Filth for hiring the team and "never defending his team, only himself." She also attached to the post a contract that, according to her, offered a 25% raise (the first in 7 years) and which the couple's lawyer described as "the most psychopathic contract a session musician could receive." They refused to sign it and decided to leave the band.
“He [Dani Filth] may not get his hands dirty, but ultimately, he runs them. The atmosphere he creates is threatening and abusive, and he constantly exploits us for very low wages while demanding exclusivity for Cradle's schedule. We can't even cover the cost of living, and yet they tell us not to tour with other bands to supplement our income. It's madness to keep people locked into poverty for one person's ego.
We attached the contract in which they tried to lock all the contracted members in for a 25% raise (the first raise in 7 years). Our lawyer called it the most psychopathic contract that could be offered to a session musician. We didn't sign it and made the decision to leave this year instead.”
READ ALSO: Keyboardist Zoë Marie Federoff criticizes Cradle of Filth: “We were used and underpaid”