The Cradle of Filth drama continued over the weekend as former guitarist Marek “Ashok” Smerda has issued a response to singer Dani Filth’s lengthy account of the divide that led to Ashok and wife-keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff’s exits from the band.

To recap, Federoff abruptly left Cradle of Filth’s South American tour mid-run. Initial statements between both sides were cordial. But Federoff let it be known that both she and her husband had intended to leave the band at the end of the tour.

Smerda soon followed with a statement sharing his intent to complete the run but revealing behind-the-scenes issues over contractual matters and issues with management. The couple then issued a joint statement offering more specific instances of their issues and shared the contract they were asked to sign with the public.

That led to Smerda’s immediate firing from the band as Cradle of Filth intended to complete their current run with a replacement en route.

But over the weekend, Filth shared a lengthy missive with his side of the story in which he disputes the nature of the contract intent, defends their management and paints Federoff as a bad fit for the band who is now attempting to slander himself and their management to garner dislike amongst the fanbase.

After Filth’s comments went public, Smerda fired back with a response through his Instagram disputing some of the singer’s claims.

How Did Ashok Smerda Respond to Dani Filth’s Accusations?

In his posting, Smerda takes exception to Filth using his mother’s ailing health and the tragedy of his and Zoe’s miscarriage to garner sympathy. He also lays the blame on Filth for everything now playing out in public after he claims the singer chose to ignore issues raised about the contractual and management issues that he and others were bringing up.

He concludes that he does not regret speaking up and adds that he and Zoe’s ultimate goal was for better treatment of those who continue to serve in the band. His full statement can be viewed below:

To Dan After Last Post,

And I believe this will be the end of public statements from my side and my wife’s as long as it is end from his side. I know this is grating everyone … me too, but private convos did not sort anything for months. Understand it was a last resort to go public.

I am usually [the] most silent person even when I am hurt, which is probably why it took 12 years to properly say all of this.

Here are my hands. The hands I used to serve you for 12 years. To write and play music for you. I gave you these hands.

Your mom is always [a] great person to me and I wish her healing. Her heart is huge as far as I ever knew. However it feels low to me to use her right now as [an] excuse when we all know she’s been sick since last year. Everyone has been there for you and supportive Dan. We all give so much love and support to her as soon as you tell us.

I lost my own mother to [a] sudden medical tragedy and I never even said goodbye to her — there was no time. She never saw me onstage with Cradle. She haunts me every day. But her memory tells me to be [a] better man and treat others better. I would never use her as [an] excuse for hurting others.

But if you respect mothers, then why twist our tragedy of miscarriage into something that was not true of my wife — she never drank while pregnant. However her doctor told her the lack of sleep, irregular schedule, constant pressure of management threatening her job if she did anything they didn’t like … all of this more than likely contributed to her body rejecting pregnancy. She exhibits high signs of the stress she is under.

It is true we cannot blame it all on you, but for you to assume she was drinking with pregnancy was low, because we all know there is very little that is worse to accuse [a] woman of than killing her own child.

I saw many times [the] rest of the band would protest or argue with you and management but only Zoe was singled out to be mocked and punished. Even now your ‘fans’ call her crazy but I can guarantee every man in the band has said [the] same things she is saying. I am saying it too. There was never the same respect for my wife there was for [the] opinions of the men.

You once had my respect and full loyalty, respect you lost [a] while ago and loyalty you threw away not long ago. Even when I stopped respecting you, when it was obvious you did not care about us, I stayed loyal. Until… you respond to [a] heartfelt plea to give us [a] better chance for living with that sordid contract, which every session member knows you sent with instructions to sign as soon as possible. No one has a shitty contract just lying around to be sent by mistake.

To not take ownership even now for the many ways in which you screw us all, it is not surprising, but it is still sad Dan … cause again, even after years of being treated disposable I wrote my heart and soul into albums for you … because I love music and I love the joy of the fans. It is sad that you could not take responsibility for these issues in private and now they are public, so we are all caught in a giant storm. This is on you for not allowing anything to be handled privately. Just ignore, ignore, ignore everything we tried to tell you for [a] long time.

I wish I could see a man when I look at you, Dan, but I don’t. I see excuses.

In time all will come to light as I do not believe we will be [the] last to say something — although it is now obvious why 40 other ex members never did say much. It has been hell for us to speak up. But I do not regret it.

Treat my brothers still in the band better, if there is any honor left in you. They are damn good people and will always have my love and support. That is [the] entire goal we have.

What Did Dani Filth Say About the Drama With Ashok Smerda and Zoe Marie Federoff?

With the dispute now becoming public, Dani Filth issued a lengthy response through the Cradle of Filth Instagram over the weekend about the issues raised by Ashok Smerda and Zoe Marie Federoff upon their exits from the group.

In it, Filth shares that the contract in question was never meant to be signed as is, noting that it was a framework from which to work from. He adds that part of the issue that has led to the grievance was due to miscommunication among those receiving the contract and what was expected from them in return.

READ MORE: Cradle of Filth’s Dani Filth Names When the Band Lived Most ‘Deliciously’

He also calls out Federoff for “picking facts to fit an agenda” that did not paint a full picture of what was going on behind the scenes on the tour. In turn, he shared instances of Federoff’s behavior and what he and others witnessed on tour.

The singer also shares his appreciation for management and reveals that talks are continuing with current band members to draw up a contract that works for everyone and aids their business.

His full posting can be viewed below.

Greetings everyone,

I think it’s time to reveal my side of the story, now that so many accusations have been leveled at the band, our management, and me personally. I apologize 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:

1. 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.

2. No one in the band is prohibited from working with other groups and substituting their income. We currently schedule tours for about 40 percent 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 them to plan sufficiently, weaving schedules together as far in advance as possible.

3. I’m sad to see that Zoe is picking facts to fit an agenda but am willing to share the full story including descriptions of events from those first three days of our South American tour so people can make their judgements based on wider context.

During those first days, heavy drinking escalated arguments 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 fans who had gathered for last-minute autographs in Sao Paolo. This was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern that strained our entire team.

While I understand touring is stressful and exhausting; however, I cannot excuse its effect on others involved with us during this time period. The decision made by management regarding continuing without them was necessary for our health as a band moving forward.

No one knew anything about her pregnancy; if she were pregnant why would she be drinking at all? She contacted management several times asking for help in stopping drinking; lengthy text messages prove this point.

4. It’s important that artists around me feel like their inputs are seen and valued; while most remaining members have been with me over ten years we’re always looking at ways we can improve our communication moving forward so everyone feels comfortable within our environment.

5. Addressing management:

Dez and Anahstasia from The Oracle Management have been nothing short of wonderful—caring & understanding relinquishing commissions where necessary while working closely alongside us delivering amazing opportunities thinking outside conventional boundaries within our industry!

Zoe has failed fitting into our dynamic attempting instead slandering myself & our management team; isn’t it easy today accusing without proof when everyone’s an online critic? What else will she accuse me next?

This means everything goes through my accountant who sifts through financial numbers assessing what can & cannot be afforded—Dez does NOT handle any incoming money directly!

Zoe’s departure three days into twenty-six date tour came after promising us professionalism throughout; instead they proceeded drinking heavily arguing amongst themselves causing disruption during shows leading ultimately towards resignation despite agreeing pay-rise amid additional financial protections offered!

I could prattle on forever just wanted clear things up then leave your hair alone!

Thanking countless bands/fans/musicians supporting us during this matter; much appreciated indeed!

Onward & upward!

Cradle of Filth in 2025

Cradle of Filth remain in midst South American tour transitioning Mexico mid-September; dates include Bogota/Panama/Zapote/Santa Tecla/Guatemala concluding September 28 Mexico City!

Their break follows before resuming November 17 Zurich Switzerland beginning European run wrapping December 2 Oslo Norway concluding 2025 touring!

All remaining dates/ticketing information available via Cradle Of Filth website!