{"id":189632,"date":"2025-08-31T16:16:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-31T16:16:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/189632\/"},"modified":"2025-08-31T16:16:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-31T16:16:09","slug":"dani-filth-shares-in-depth-statement-about-cradle-of-filth-drama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/189632\/","title":{"rendered":"Dani Filth Shares In-Depth Statement About Cradle of Filth Drama"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s been a lot happening in the Cradle of Filth<\/a> camp over the last week, with keyboardist\/vocalist Zoe Federoff<\/a>\u00a0quitting mid-tour and her husband \u2013 guitarist Marek “Ashok” Smerda<\/a> \u2013 being fired shortly thereafter. Now, bandleader Dani Filth<\/a> has shared another in-depth statement on social media in which he gives his \u201cside of the story\u201d regarding the recent Cradle of Filth drama.<\/p>\n

What Dani Filth Posted<\/p>\n

Filth\u2019s latest statement was posted to Cradle of Filth\u2019s official Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a> accounts this past Friday, Aug. 29.<\/p>\n

He begins, \u201cGreetings everyone, I think it\u2019s time to reveal my side of the story, now that so many accusations have been levelled at the band, our management, and me personally.\u201d<\/p>\n

He continues: \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Filth also specifies that he doesn\u2019t \u201cbelieve in tit-for-tat or slander\u201d but that he does \u201cwant to clarify the following points,\u201d after which he runs through several topics related to what\u2019s been happening.<\/p>\n

In response to the notion of there being a contract dispute<\/a> between the band\u2019s management, Federoff and Smerda, Filth specifies: \u201cThere is not a contract that was ever expected to be signed as is, but was the initial framework to build from.\u201d He also claims that \u201cone of the main reasons we are having this situation is because of miscommunication regarding the nature of the contract.”<\/p>\n

Afterward, he stipulates: \u201cNo one in the band is prohibited from working with other groups and substituting their income.\u201d From there, Filth gives \u201ca more balanced picture\u201d on what happened during \u201cthe first three days of the South American tour<\/a>,\u201d as well as promises to \u201ctake what is happening now as an opportunity to have a better dialogue in the band\u201d so that \u201ceveryone feel[s] comfortable and protected in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also suggests that because Federoff \u201cfailed to fit in the band,\u201d she \u201cis now attempting to slander and lie about as much as possible to garner dislike for me and our management.\u201d In fact, he says, \u201cDez [Fafara] 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interestingly, Filth declares that after Federoff was let go from Cradle of Filth, Smerda \u201cspoke out for her and went after the Royal family of heavy metal and we won\u2019t have anybody speaking about Ozzy\u2019s wife like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Filth then goes deeper into \u201cthe contract in question,\u201d which he says was \u201ca 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eventually, he writes:<\/p>\n

\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Filth subsequently reflects on what happened during Federoff and Smerda\u2019s last days in Cradle of Filth, beginning: \u201cOn Zoe\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finally, he refutes accusations of \u201cfat shaming,\u201d writing:<\/p>\n

\n

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 \u2018please watch your health you have touring and videos coming up\u2019, 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Filth concludes his post as follows:<\/p>\n

\n

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.<\/p>\n

Anyhoo I could prattle on forever, I just wanted to clear up a few things and then be out of your hair.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Onward and upward as they say!<\/p>\n

See you on the\u00a0 road!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Alongside his statement, Filth includes two screenshots of a text message exchange (between Smerda and Fafara, Consequence<\/a> confirms) in which Smerda declares: \u201cDez Fafara \u2013 you are a sick evil person trained by sickest person in music industry \u2013 Sharon Osbourne \u2013 the criminal who should be whipped to death. Your karma will catch you. Do not ever talk to my wife this way ever again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fafara replies: \u201cReally Ashok. When your wife needed me and needed to talk about sobriety and needed to join Cof I was a good guy then. I\u2019m spitting facts. Stop putting Dani in a corner on tour over and over as he\u2019s trying to find money to pay you.\u201d<\/p>\n

You can see Filth\u2019s entire statement \u2013 including those two text message screenshots \u2013 below:<\/p>\n

\n

Greetings everyone,<\/p>\n

I think it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t believe in tit-for-tat or slander, but I do want to clarify the following points:<\/p>\n

1. Firstly the contract in question:<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2. 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.<\/p>\n

3. I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

4. 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.<\/p>\n

5. Addressing the management:<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Dez is very honest, transparent and truthful and doesn\u2019t get paid until I allow the accountant to pay him.<\/p>\n

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 moneys coming in.<\/p>\n

Dez called out for Zoe\u2019s firing, to which Ashok spoke out for her and went after the Royal family of heavy metal and we won\u2019t have anybody speaking about Ozzy\u2019s wife like this.<\/p>\n

Now to elaborate further as promised.<\/p>\n

Firstly the contract in question.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t capture the full picture of the actuality of being in this band. It wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

To say that they only earn \u2018X\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

On Zoe\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2018f\u2014k off\u2019 along the way and causing a scene. There are many witnesses to this, including that of her throwing things at him.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t think this is a worthy excuse. No one else behaved in this manner. We were too tired to for a start!<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

However that was not to be the case, as one minute he was crying on people\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Which brings me to \u2018fat shaming\u2019.<\/p>\n

Never has this been undertaken.<\/p>\n

Dez never said anything about persons being fat or being too heavy. All he said to Anabelle (our previous keyboardist) is \u2018please watch your health you have touring and videos coming up\u2019, to which she sent a picture of herself eating a selection of buns (which I found funny at the time!).<\/p>\n

Of course any manager would express these sentiments.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s exactly what a good manager does.<\/p>\n

I expect my manager to have the artist\u2019s back at all times.<\/p>\n

*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\u2019d still be interested in covering an Eighties pop song we both loved.<\/p>\n

Touring itself is a very expensive business now, but that\u2019s something you can read about anywhere online.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Anyhoo I could prattle on forever, I just wanted to clear up a few things and then be out of your hair.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Onward and upward as they say!<\/p>\n

See you on the road!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

How do you feel about what\u2019s been happening with Cradle of Filth (especially considering Dani Filth\u2019s latest explanations and screenshots)? Let us know!<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Fired Cradle of Filth Guitarist Shares First Message After Dramatic Week<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

More About Recent Cradle of Filth Drama + Decisions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dani Filth\u2019s newest post was made a few days after Federoff \u201cexisted the band mid-tour\u201d (as Loudwire<\/a> reported on Aug. 25).<\/p>\n

Loudwire continued: \u201cIn an initial posting to her social media<\/a>, the keyboardist and backing vocalist shared, \u2018It 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.\u2019 Federoff specified that she\u2019d ‘answer no further questions’ but hoped that people would ‘be kind to [her] successor.'”<\/p>\n

Several hours later, however, Federoff returned to social media to refute speculation that Smerda was \u201ccheating\u201d on her. \u201cWhile the turmoil of being in the band has taken its toll on us, we remain very much certain that we love each other. Please be kind to my husband. He is a good man,” she wrote.<\/p>\n

She also claimed that she and Smerda \u201cwere already planning to leave the band later this year. Certain events have sped that up for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the time, Filth called it<\/a> \u201ca strange turn of events,\u201d adding: \u201cWe, of course, wish her all the best for the future.\u201d He also \u201crevealed that Kelsey Peters will now handle backing vocals for the band\u201d (per Loudwire).<\/p>\n

On Aug. 26, Loudwire<\/a> reported that Smerda \u201cissued a statement<\/a> confirming his upcoming exit from the band,\u201d after which the couple \u201cissued a joint statement slamming Cradle of Filth over contractual issues within the band, accusing an unnamed individual and management of creating a \u2018threatening and abusive\u2019 atmosphere, among other issues.\u201d<\/p>\n

On Aug. 27, Cradle of Filth \u201cofficially fired guitarist Marek \u2018Ashok\u2019 Smerda after he and his wife Zoe Marie Federoff issued statements laying out their beef with the band’s management and sharing the contracts on social media they were allegedly asked to sign\u201d (via Loudwire<\/a>).<\/p>\n

In his statement about that<\/a>, Dani Filth called the situation \u201ca horrible matter\u201d that\u2019s left the group \u201cin a state of shock.\u201d He added: \u201cPlease, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then, on Aug. 29, Smerda made his first comments<\/a> about what\u2019s been happening. Per Loudwire<\/a>, Smerda\u2019s statement found him \u201cprimarily show[ing] his appreciation for the support he\u2019s received from others during the drama of the past week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis 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,\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

Afterward, he wrote that he and Federoff \u201cchose this\u201d because they \u201cwere promised changes and better days year after year, and we kept hoping for them to be real. . . . I wish [the] band had been better to us because I wanted to always be better to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He concluded:<\/p>\n

\n

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.<\/p>\n

Something good.<\/p>\n

So, this is not goodbye- this is, hello, life is good, and you all helped make it to be so good.<\/p>\n

Ashok<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Gallery Credit: Jillian Drachman<\/a><\/p>\n