Amid escalating tensions within Cradle of Filth, frontman Dani Filth has issued a forceful response to the recent allegations and departures of longtime members. In a statement released on September 1, 2025, he dismissed the claims from keyboardist Zoë Marie Federoff and guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda as “false and damaging,” underscoring that “clear records” exist to refute the accusations and affirming that any dispute should be handled through proper channels rather than “trial by social media.”

Dani’s message, also touching on deeply personal matters, stated that his mother is currently battling stage 4 cancer, and expressed frustration that the public fallout added to her distress. He implored all parties to refrain from dragging their families into the controversy and emphasized that, despite the chaos, he still wishes Zoë and Ashok well. He added that the band will continue its tour with renewed focus and dedication, determined to carry on and lay a “stronger, clearer foundation” for future musicians.

This declaration came after the pair’s abrupt mid-tour exits and scathing statements. Zoë Federoff had accused Dani’s management of creating a “threatening and abusive” environment, claiming manipulation, dishonesty, and even referring to a session contract as the “most psychopathic contract a session musician could ever be handed.” She also linked the stress of touring to a miscarriage and cited low pay—reportedly around £150 per day or approximately £25,000 annually—as unsustainable.

Shortly after, Šmerda echoed her grievances, citing high stress, minimal compensation, and lack of care toward band members. He also publicly distanced himself from the band’s planned collaboration with Ed Sheeran, calling it “foolish clown antics,” and requested that his compositions be removed from upcoming releases.

Cradle of Filth responded by firing Šmerda mid-tour, citing his public statements as attempts to “defame and derail the band,” and reassuring fans that the South American shows would proceed as scheduled. Meanwhile, Dani’s more expansive backstory suggests that the problematic contract was meant to serve as a negotiating draft—not a final agreement—and that its rushed deployment contributed to the misunderstandings. He further alleged that repeated outbursts by Zoë and Ashok—some even occurring publicly during the tour—disrupted the band’s cohesion.

As of now, Dani Filth insists he will “not comment further on personal matters in public,” while Federoff and Šmerda have signaled their disappointment but remain firm in their stance. Zoë’s response reaffirmed their focus on addressing business—and not personal—issues, while noting that legal action may follow.

The situation leaves Cradle of Filth mid-tour, with replacement musician Kelsey Peters stepping in for Zoë, and an interim guitarist presumed to be in place. The long-term implications for the band’s lineup remain uncertain as both sides appear entrenched in their positions.