Cradle of Filth keyboardist Zoe Marie posted on Instagram last Tuesday, the 26th, explaining the reasons for her departure from the band. In a forceful text, the musician accused the group's management of being "dishonest, manipulative" and of trying to "steal money."
Zoe claims that she and guitarist Ashok , who is also her husband, had been planning their departure from the group for months due to the "toxic and threatening" environment. She reveals that the band received "very low" salaries and that they couldn't even cover their cost of living, and were also prevented from touring with other groups to supplement their income.
The musician recounts that the last straw was the management's attempt to withhold the advance payment for the album Screaming of the Valkyries , calling her a "cancer" and a "dead horse" when confronted. According to her, the abusive situation culminated in a miscarriage during a tour.
Zöe commented [transcription via Loudwire ]: “We planned this transition out of Cradle of Filth months ago. The management is dishonest, manipulative, and tries to take money that belongs to us without any contract between us, the hired musicians, and them. When I called them to talk about this attempted theft of the advance money for the (album) 'The Screaming of the Valkyries' (2025), they called me a 'cancer' and 'dead weight,' and threatened to fire me. The frontman does nothing to stop them and hides behind them while they belittle and steal. We hold the frontman responsible for hiring these managers and never advocating for his team, only for himself. Other former members try to be careful about this and only blame the managers – the managers work for the frontman.”
Zoe blames vocalist Dani Filth
In addition to accusations against management, Zoe blames vocalist Dani Filth for hiring the team and "never defending his team, only himself." She 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 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've attached (to the post) the contract in which they tried to lock all 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.”
Reason for leaving and a warning to future musicians.
Zoe continued: “So, we left because we were being used and receiving less than the cost of living, the environment is toxic and threatening, and the toll it was taking on our lives and our marriage became too much. The impact on our health led me to have a miscarriage of our first pregnancy while on tour. We chose to leave to save ourselves and create a better future for our family. Now that we’re out, the sun is shining, our family has hope, and we hope that all session musicians who are thinking of joining Cradle will read this contract and speak to a lawyer.”
The keyboardist concludes the note with a warning message to future musicians considering joining Cradle of Filth. She advises them to read the contract and seek legal counsel.
“Good luck to whoever tries to make this work afterward. And remember, we all know the guy who says 'all' his exes are crazy – are you sure ALL of them are? Or could the problem be you, more than 40 people later? Goodbye to the fans and our fellow hired musicians and crew. They are the only parts of this that remain as good memories.”
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.
READ ALSO: Cradle of Filth: Zoë Federoff's keyboardist leaves the band during tour