Cradle of Filth: Zoe’s departure turns into a public reckoning

What initially appeared to be a quiet departure has long since become a public reckoning: Zoe Federoff, until recently keyboardist for Cradle of Filth, released a sensational statement accusing the band's management of ‘manipulative behaviour,’ financial exploitation and psychological distress. Her conclusion: ‘We left the band because we were being used and paid less than the cost of living. The environment is toxic and threatening.’

Together with her husband Ashok, who is also leaving the band, she describes in detail how the pressure within the band structure ultimately led to a miscarriage while on tour. The two had been thinking for months about how to leave – and have now taken the step together. ‘Now that we're out, the sun is shining again. Our family has hope again.’

Particularly controversial: Zoe and Ashok published an original document of a session musician contract – and describe it as ‘psychopathic’. Among other things, it stipulates that musicians must cede exclusive rights to their work for around £200 per day, including extensive rights to their name, image and performance. At the same time, they are prohibited from speaking publicly about the conditions – even after the contract has ended.

According to the published document, session musicians are required to be available for all performances – but on a ‘first call’ basis and with limited opportunities to tour with other bands. ‘It's insane to keep people in poverty for ego reasons,’ Zoe said in her statement.

Ashok also addressed fans with a personal statement. In it, he emphasises that the decision was made together with Zoe – long before the first rumours became public. ‘Cradle can no longer secure our future – in fact, it stands in its way,’ he writes. He speaks of years of unprofessional behaviour ‘from above’ and explains that he also wants his compositions removed from the planned Ed Sheeran collaboration.

He also sends a clear message to anyone speculating about his private life: ‘We all know the guy who says all his exes are crazy – are you sure it's all of them? Or is the problem perhaps with you – 40+ people later?’

While Cradle of Filth have not yet commented publicly on the allegations, heated discussions are taking place online. The band has already found a new keyboardist in Kelsey Peters. It remains to be seen how long-lasting the effects of this split will be, both within the band and in the scene.

Events are unfolding rapidly. Now Dani Filth has spoken out again, announcing in a statement that guitarist Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda has been kicked out of the band with immediate effect. Despite the ‘attempted defamation’, the band does not want to cancel its current South American tour, but will have to play with only one guitarist on stage for the time being. A temporary replacement will be flown in over the next few days.

The rest of the statement sounds like a mixture of damage control and attack: the accusations against the band's management are ‘completely unfounded’, according to Dani. The decision to fire Ashok before the end of the tour was necessary – and the band will communicate their own point of view ‘in due course’. Patience is requested.

It remains to be seen whether this reaction will help calm the situation or add fuel to the fire.