The band Cradle of Filth is currently in a period of transition and controversy following the departure of keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff and the dismissal of guitarist Marek “Ashok” Smerda , both members and married. Their departures were accompanied by public statements from the couple detailing their dissatisfaction with the band's management, and vocalist Dani Filth , in turn, refuted the accusations.
Zoë Marie Federoff's departure
Keyboardist Zoë Marie Federoff announced her departure from Cradle of Filth earlier this week, on August 24th, amidst the band's current South American tour, shortly after a show in São Paulo, Brazil. Initially, she cited "personal reasons" and asked for respect for her privacy and that of her family, stating that she would not answer any further questions.
Later, Federoff clarified on her social media that she and Ashok already intended to leave the band at the end of the tour, however, certain events brought forward their departure. She also denied speculation about a possible betrayal by her husband. And she stated that, despite the band's turbulence affecting their marriage, the love between them remains. Zoë asks fans to support Kelsey Peters , who will take over backing vocals and keyboards in her absence. In response to Zoë's departure, Dani Filth initially expressed wishes for the musician's future success. She also confirmed Kelsey Peters as her replacement, stating that the band would move forward.
The dismissal of Marek “Ashok” Smerda
A day after Federoff's announcement, guitarist Marek “Ashok” Smerda confirmed that he would also be leaving the group , although his intention was to complete the tour. In his statement, Ashok outlined his grievances, stating that he and his wife did not feel that Cradle of Filth could secure their future and, in fact, it was hindering it. He cited not only “a lot of work for a relatively low salary, but also quite high stress.” He also felt that the band did not prioritize or care about its members, mentioning “years of unprofessional behavior from people above us.”
Ashok also requested that all of his compositions be removed from upcoming releases, including a highly anticipated collaboration with Ed Sheeran . He described the song with Ed Sheeran as "silly nonsense" at the time, due to changes in the track's purpose. He expressed his sadness at no longer sharing the stage with his wife, but respected her decision and showed happiness for the opportunity given to Kelsey Peters.
Shortly after Ashok's statement, Cradle of Filth frontman Dani Filth issued an official statement. The vocalist announced the immediate dismissal of Marek “Ashok” Smerda , preventing him from finishing the tour.
Detailed accusations from the couple against the management and Dani Filth
The couple didn't limit themselves to their initial statements; they also released a more detailed joint statement . The couple outlined "specific behaviors and instances of problems with management" and shared a contract they were asked to sign. Among their main complaints were:
- Dishonest and manipulative management: Allegations of attempting to steal advance money for the album Screaming of the Valkyries , without a contract between the session musicians and the manager.
- Toxic and abusive environment : Management allegedly called Zoe a "cancer" and a "dead horse" and threatened to fire her when confronted about the attempted theft.
- Dani Filth's responsibility : The couple held Dani Filth responsible for hiring this management team, as well as for "never defending her team, only herself," and for creating a threatening and abusive atmosphere.
- Low wages and exploitation: They stated that they received salaries that didn't even cover the cost of living. They were prevented from touring with other bands to supplement their income, describing it as "madness to keep people locked in poverty for one person's ego."
- "Psychopathic" contract : A contract was attached which, according to them, was offered to them for a 25% raise (the first in seven years). The couple's lawyer described it as "the most psychopathic contract a session musician could receive." They refused to sign it.
- Impact on health : The turmoil within the band and the work environment reportedly took a toll on their lives and marriage, resulting in a miscarriage of her first pregnancy during the tour.
- Warning to prospective members : The couple has advised any potential replacements to “read the contract” and “speak to a lawyer” before joining Cradle of Filth.
Dani Filth's response
In his statement , Dani Filth said the band was in a state of shock over the allegations and considered them "completely unfair and unfounded" in relation to management, who work "very closely" with him and the band.
He reiterated that Cradle of Filth will not cancel any of their shows in South America. He also said that fans should "bear with" the band with only one guitarist live until Ashok's temporary replacement arrives on tour in a few days. Dani asked for patience and that fans avoid speculation. He also promised further clarification on the situation in the future, and concluded by stating that "the truth will always come out."
The band is currently in the middle of a South American tour that will extend to Mexico next month. Soon after, they have a European tour scheduled for November, which ends on December 7th in Antwerp, Belgium.
READ ALSO: Cradle Of Filth in São Paulo: A night of chaos, heaviness, and farewells