DANI FILTH Reveals His “Side Of The Story” Regarding ASHOK and ZOE MARIE FEDEROFF’s Exit From CRADLE OF FILTH
Listen, it was a helluva week for drama and feuding between bands, and well, it feels like it kicked off with Dani Filth‘s Cradle of Filth and the incredibly sudden departure of their keyboardist and vocalist Zoe Marie Federoff, and now attorneys are being mentioned, and it’s been a lot.
Now, Dani Filth wants to tell his “side of the story” – so, here’s what we know so far.
August 24th – The Departure of Zoe Marie Federoff
Federoff initially issued an incredibly diplomatic statement to her socials, stating:
“It is with deep regret I share that for personal reasons I am unable to continue this tour and continue in general with Cradle of Filth.
Please respect my privacy and my family’s privacy. I will answer no further questions. Be kind to my successor. I wish her and my now former bandmates well.
At least, like Roy Khan said over a decade ago, God was there after all.
Yours,
Zoe“
August 25th – Dani Filth Confirms Federoff’s Departure, Announces Kelsey Peters As Replacement
Dani Filth confirmed the shakeup the following day, announcing Kelsey Peters as Federoff’s replacement and that the tour would continue unaffected:
“Hello Filthlings,
A strange turn of events have manifested out here on tour for CRADLE OF FILTH in South America.
Our keyboardist/backing singer Zoe Smerda has chosen to leave the band mid-tour, effective immediately.
We, of course, wish her all the best for the future and we as a band will continue onward and upward as always with a replacement singer here in Kelsey Peters, one of the very talented CREWDLE members.
In life, one cannot always foresee what the future holds for us, but we will remain ever-professional and continue on with ‘The Screaming Of The Americas’ concerts for our fans without allowing any of this to sully our onward trajectory.
So, our South and Central American brethren, we will see you at the next spat of relentless shows.
The shows have already been incredible in Brazil and we are just so exceptionally appreciative of your massive and passionate attendance, my friends and fiends alike.
Long live the FILTH!
Dani Filth, Buenos Aires, Argentina.”
August 26th – Federoff’s Husband, And Guitarist For Cradle Of Filth, Marek “Ashok” Šmerda Also Announces His Departure
Even before, and then after, Dani Filth‘s statement, some Cradle of Filth fans and other internet users started openly speculating as to the reason for Federoff‘s sudden departure, which her husband and former-bandmate, Marek “Ashok” Šmerda, did not let fly.
Two days after Federoff‘s departure, Ashok defended his wife and announced he was also going to leave Cradle of Filth – but at the end of their Latin American tour. He explained that both Federoff and Ashok had been planning their departure for a while due to frustrations within the band, and that speculation surrounding Federoff and her departure needed to cease. Ashok shared:
“Dear fans and friends,
I ask you to please respect my wife and myself in this transitional period. I am indeed leaving Cradle of Filth at the end of this current tour, and the reasons behind this are conclusions my wife and I came together at long before this week. We simply do not feel like Cradle can provide for our future, and in fact hinders it. Among other reasons it is a lot of work for relatively low pay, the stress is quite high, and we haven’t felt for a while like this band actually prioritizing/caring about members. It has been years of unprofessional behavior from people above us that led to our decision.
I have also asked all compositions of mine removed from upcoming releases including Ed Sheeran collab. This song feels like foolish clown antics for me at this point anyways- first it was charity single for kids, then for profit single, then on next album, and now who knows and I just do not want to be involved anymore, no disrespect to Ed Sheeran.
And meanwhile so many “brilliant” Internet brains trying to speculate on personal affairs between me and Zoe– just stop this, please. We are trying to start new chapter.
And I am going to finish this tour strong! For the fans and for my friends in this band and crew! It is my last ride with Cradle and I am proud to give it my best. I am sad to not share the stage with my wife these last times but I respect why she left and I am happy our friend Kelsey Peters has been given opportunity to shine.
This is all I have to say for now. Leave my wife alone. NEVER insult her or her choices in my presence… or else ????.”
August 26th – Dani Filth Fires Ashok, Effective Immediately, After Ashok’s Attempts To “Defame” Cradle Of Filth In His Resignation Letter
After Ashok posted that statement to socials, the next day, Dani Filth announced that Marek “Ashok” Şmerda was dismissed from Cradle of Filth effective immediately, after claiming that Ashok had attempted to “defame” and “derail” the band with his comments in his resignation letter that Cradle had “relatively low pay” despite an environment where the “stress is quite high” and that he felt that the band hadn’t cared about its members for a while.
“It is with a grave heart that Cradle Of Filth officially announce the firing of guitarist Marek ‘Ashok’ Smerda from the band, effective immediately.
Despite all attempts to illegally defame and derail the band, Cradle Of Filth WILL NOT cancel any of our South American shows, though fans will have to bear with us being a band with only one guitarist live, that is of course until Ashok‘s temporary replacement is flown out to join the tour in a few days time.
Thank you for your understanding in this horrible matter, we are all in a state of shock over proceedings and will share our side to these unfortunate events in due course. Please, respect our decision to part with Ashok now rather than at the end of the tour and avoid speculation as more clarity on the situation will be provided.
The rest of the band are cool, even if taken aback, and accusations toward management, who work very closely with me and the band are completely unjust and unfounded. Patience is a virtue and the truth will always out. Thank you once again fellow Filthlings and we look forward to the rest of ‘The Screaming Of The Américas’ tour here in Uruguay and beyond. Your fiend, Dani.”
August 27th – Zoë Marie Federoff Makes A Statement Post-Departure About Working Conditions
Still with me?
Defamation, by definition, is “the act of communicating false statements about a person that injure the reputation of that person” (Merriam-Webster).
So, Ashok and Federoff‘s statements about the working conditions within Cradle of Filth would not only have to be false, but shared by the husband and wife with the intention of harming Dani Filth‘s career. Intent is always the hardest to prove, especially, when Federoff posted a lengthy statement, and part of her Cradle of Filth contract, to her socials to defend herself against a situation it appears she wanted to avoid, when looking at her original, diplomatic statement.
Federoff details:
“A further statement on the departure of myself and Ashok from Cradle of Filth and a warning to our successors — READ THE CONTRACT.
“We planned this transition out of Cradle of Filth months ago. Management is dishonest, manipulative, and tries to take money that belongs to us with no contract between us session musicians and him. When I called them out on this attempted theft of album advance money from Screaming of the Valkyries, they called me ‘cancer’ and ‘dead horse’ 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 this management and never advocating for his team, only himself. Other ex members try to tiptoe around this and only blame management — management works for the frontman.
He might not get his hands dirty, but in the end, he directs them. The atmosphere he creates is threatening and abusive and constantly exploits us for very low wages yet also demands exclusivity to Cradle‘s schedule. We do not make even the bare cost of living, yet we are told not to tour with other bands to supplement income. It is madness to keep people locked in poverty for the ego of one person.
We attach the contract they attempted to trap all session members in for a 25% raise (the first raise in 7 years). Our lawyer called it the most psychopathic contract a session musician could ever be handed. We did not sign and made a decision to leave this year instead.
So — we left because we were being used and paid less than the cost of living, the environment is toxic and threatening… and the toll this was all taking on our lives and our marriage grew too great. The health toll it took on us also led me to miscarry our first pregnancy on tour. We chose to leave to save ourselves and create a better future for our family. Now that we are out — the sun is shining, our family has hope, and we hope every session musician who thinks about joining Cradle reads this contract and talks to a lawyer.
Good luck to whoever tries to make it work next. And remember — we all know the guy who says all his exes are crazy. Are you sure all of them? Or could the problem be you, 40+ people later? Farewell to the fans and our fellow session members and crew. They were the only part of this that remain good memories.”
Scroll to photos four through seven on the Instagram carousel below to see the details of the contract.
August 28th – Ashok Arrives Home After Being Fired, Posts Statement To Facebook
Almost to the end of all the drama – hopefully. Probably not.
On Thursday evening, Ashok announced that he had arrived home after being dismissed from Cradle Of Filth. Ashok‘s original plan was to finish out the South American tour despite Federoff abruptly leaving, but Dani Filth appeared to dislike Ashok‘s candid remarks about the low pay and working conditions, and booted him immediately anyway. Despite the animosity that had occurred, Ashok reflected in a post to Facebook about his time in Cradle of Filth.
“I am home, finally.
This has been hard week but I am so grateful to fans and friends for support. My fellow musicians who reach out particular, who know how much I needed people who understand situation – and the fans as well, I am grateful so many stand by the side of we who make the music instead of the business greedy. It is this support that makes music happen, because you inspire souls.
I am still reading so many messages of warmth and literally close to tears, cannot believe how much love there is in this world. 12 years in Cradle, and before that my years in Root and other bands- it has been 25 year journey to today, and some of you with me the entire time- it is beyond humbling.
Many of you may ask why now, after 12 years, did I choose this- we were promised changes and better days year after year, and we kept hoping for them to be real. I kept hoping because of you all. I kept going for you all. To deliver you music that brought you real joy was so incredible. I wish band had been better to us because I wanted to always be better to you.
I also want to thank especially my wife for her courage in detailing so much of what has been wrong for long time. She now is telling me not to dare put down guitar- like I ever would, haha, I have more music to make, more to do with my life and my art, and she is right. I cannot put down guitar. I am not done creating, I am done being used for my creation but creativity continues. Something new begins.
Something good.
So, this is not goodbye- this is, hello, life is good, and you all helped make it to be so good.
Ashok“
August 29th – Dani Filth Posts His Side Of The Story
The most recent event within this dramatic spiel occurred yesterday, when Dani Filth posted to Instagram what he calls his “side of the story.” The nearly 2,000 word statement address both Federoff and Ashok‘s concerns, but one particular explanation doesn’t sit well. Dani Filth says that when he sent on the contracts, it was meant to start “negotiation,” and they used an old “never used” contract before that no one – including their attorney – supposedly had time to look at before it was sent to Federoff and Ashok, leading to their departure.
The entire statement alleges a tumultuous and what seems to be a mutually abusive relationship between Federoff and Ashok, and their supposed issue with alcohol. Dani Filth wrote:
“Greetings everyone,
I think it’s time to reveal my side of the story, now that so many accusations have been levelled at the band, our management, and me personally. I apologise for the slight tardiness of this statement; it was important to approach this in a level-headed manner after reflection. The timing was also difficult, as the band is currently touring South America with arduous travel days, long flights, and shows.
I don’t believe in tit-for-tat or slander, but I do want to clarify the following points:
- Firstly the contract in question:
This is not a contract that was ever expected to be signed as is, but was the initial framework to build from. I will expand on this further, but I do see that one of the main reasons we are having this situation is because of miscommunication regarding the nature of the contract and what was expected of the parties receiving it. - No one in the band is prohibited from working with other groups and substituting their income. We currently schedule tours for about 40% of the year with the rest of the year being available for other commitments. Many of my bandmates have other projects, as can be seen on their own social media pages. WE DO NOT prohibit our musicians from work commitments with other bands, we only ask to plan sufficiently, weaving schedules together as far in advance as the situation allows.
- I’m sad to see that Zoe is picking facts to fit an agenda but am willing to share the full story including the description of events of the first three days of the South American tour, to show a more balanced picture so that people can make their judgements based on the wider context.
During those first days, heavy drinking, escalating arguments, and repeated public disputes created a very disruptive atmosphere for everyone involved. I personally witnessed heated exchanges between Zoe and Ashok that included both verbal and physical abuse, culminating in a public display in front of the hotel and fans who had gathered for last minute autographs in Sao Paolo. This was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of abusive behavior that strained the entire team.
While I understand touring is stressful and exhausting, I cannot excuse the effect it had on the rest of us. The decision to continue the tour without them was not taken lightly, but it was necessary for the health of the band and crew.
Also, no one knew anything about her pregnancy and if she was pregnant, why she was drinking at all? She even contacted management on several occasions asking for help in stopping drinking, with lengthy text messages proving this. - It is important to me that the artists around me feel like their inputs are seen and valued. I do think that for the most part this is the case, as some of the remaining members have been with me for over 10 years. We are however always looking to improve, so I will take what is happening now as an opportunity to have a better dialogue in the band, crafting a more elaborate contract that makes everyone feel comfortable and protected in the future.
- Addressing the management:
Dez and Anahstasia of The Oracle Management have been nothing short of wonderful. Caring and understanding, relinquishing commissions to make tours work and working closely with the band to deliver us some amazing opportunities, thinking above and outside the proverbial box.
Having failed to fit in the band, Zoe is now attempting to slander and lie about as much as possible to garner dislike for me and our management. Isn’t it easy to accuse without proof in this day and age when everybody is a such a well-versed online critic? I can only begin to imagine what else I will be accused of as she seeks to destroy this band and business.
Dez is very honest, transparent and truthful and doesn’t get paid until I allow the accountant to pay him.
This means everything goes through my accountant and then said accountant sifts through all the financial numbers to see what can and cannot be afforded. Dez never handles any of the [money] coming in.
Dez called out for Zoe‘s firing, to which Ashok spoke out for her and went after the Royal family of heavy metal and we won’t have anybody speaking about Ozzy‘s wife like this.
Now to elaborate further as promised.
Firstly the contract in question.
Yes it was a shitty contract, but one that was put forward to help further dialogue with two members that had been causing a lot of drama behind-the-scenes. Started from a harmless and well-reasoned email from Zoe asking for a pay-rise for the band, which was approved within days without any pushback, Zoe‘s communication continued to get ruder and to escalate to a more threatening depth for seemingly no reason, especially considering her original request was approved from the get-go.
The tensions were growing and at the point of sending that contract, we had already received resignations from both Ashok and Zoe, so we decided not to spend any budget on a tailored contract, which in retrospect was a mistake as it further escalated the situation. Unfortunately we sent out an old, but never before used contract that was too brash, not as elaborate as it deserves to be and one that doesn’t capture the full picture of the actuality of being in this band. It wasn’t done with malicious intent, but was intended as a start to negotiations with none of us realising that it has been sitting in a folder, but not used for a reason. I rashly forwarded asking the band to sign.
At the time of sending it, we all (management, myself, and our attorney) had barely any time to look at the contract that was going out giving it a surface glance and just got it out to the band. I hadn’t had a full conversation with the lawyer or Dez about what the contract’s initial intention was (negotiate or just sign and go). This was an oversight on my part and it has been clarified later.
Of course Zoe would show you the worst and it saddens me that the context of what I thought was our dialogue was warped to fit an agenda and made public.
I am talking internally with the rest of the band now to draw up a contract that will best serve all of them and the business.
And yes, unfortunately a band is a business, and when we witness a person stirring trouble, drinking heavily, not writing, threatening to sue the band over use of their image, then something obviously needed to be done.
Zoe and Ashok had already tendered their resignations despite me agreeing to a pay-rise amid additional financial protection, so I was in absolutely no hurry to waste money with our lawyer drafting up a contract that was already destined to be pulled apart anyway.
To say that they only earn ‘X’ amount a year will certainly raise a few eyebrows, however, aside from their wages they are also privy to publishing (they just received an advance, who the management gave up commissions on and I actually put money towards out of my share), publishing royalties, PRS or the equivalent in every country, bonuses for touring if we do well, endorsements and not to mention food everyday and bunks/double room hotels when available on the road.
On Zoe‘s departure three days into the twenty-six date tour and having already promised me and management that they would see out the tour in a professional manner, Zoe and Ashok proceeded to drink and argue between themselves for the first three days.
Having already argued all afternoon in front of everyone backstage, Ashok wanted to stay back and have a few drinks after the show, arguing with Zoe to the contrary. Later, he was with fans and members of our crew, when Zoe stormed downstairs at the hotel to drag him back to the room, telling people to ‘f-k off’ along the way and causing a scene. There are many witnesses to this, including that of her throwing things at him.
In Zoe‘s defence, I do account her outburst on the fact that we had barely eleven hours sleep in four days, but again I don’t think this is a worthy excuse. No one else behaved in this manner. We were too tired to for a start!
The next morning, which was a very early lobby call, Ashok was clearly still drunk and again, the two of them argued heavily at the airport resulting in Zoe deciding to leave the tour and book a flight back to Arizona, citing Ashok‘s alcoholism and partying by text. Ashok remained as a courtesy to the band, and as testified by several people, stipulated that his marriage was not working out. That, however is none of my business.
What is my business however, is keeping the tour moving and with this run costing nearly $200,000 in just expenses and wages alone, the thought of flying out new people and booking them visas, hotels and flights was obviously a little overwhelming. I quite selfishly thought that without the constant drama that we witnessed on a daily basis, Ashok would concede to enjoying the rest of the tour with us.
However that was not to be the case, as one minute he was crying on people’s shoulders, the next morning pushing out a statement about his departure from the band amid other revelations, having spoken to his wife on the phone. Naturally, due to these fresh insights he was fired on the spot.
Which brings me to ‘fat shaming’.
Never has this been undertaken.
Dez never said anything about persons being fat or being too heavy. All he said to Anabelle (our previous keyboardist) is ‘please watch your health you have touring and videos coming up’, to which she sent a picture of herself eating a selection of buns (which I found funny at the time!).
Of course any manager would express these sentiments.
Dez never spoke to Sarah Jezebel Deva about anything within the band. She was not in the band, however he did speak to her when she went online speaking ill of me and that’s exactly what a good manager does.
I expect my manager to have the artist’s back at all times.
*Incidentally Sarah actually emailed me to say how nice it was to meet me at the show in Torquay a few weeks ago and to ask if I’d still be interested in covering an Eighties pop song we both loved.
Touring itself is a very expensive business now, but that’s something you can read about anywhere online.
I, as many of my colleagues in the music industry, have been pretty much an alcoholic by definition at one or two stages in my career and this is why I can observe her erratic patterns of behaviour and it is also why I have been teetotal from the booze for nigh on three year now.
Anyhoo I could prattle on forever, I just wanted to clear up a few things and then be out of your hair.
Thank you to all the many bands, fans and fellow musicians who have proffered their support in this matter. You guys are much appreciated indeed!
Onward and upward as they say!
See you on the road!
With all of this said, there’s really no telling who is correct in this situation, except for the fact that the contract was really bad. Zoe Marie Federoff made another, smaller statement shortly after Dani’s own essay, saying she had answered enough questions about the situation.
It’ll be interesting to see if Ashok replies.
I hope not. Because then this long-ass article might just get a whole lot longer.
