Six Former Cradle of Filth Members Launch Lawsuit Against Dani Filth and Related Companies

Just when it seemed the drama surrounding former keyboardist/vocalist Zoe Marie Federoff and ex-guitarist Marek “Ashok” Smerda had finally cooled down, a major legal battle has brought the controversy roaring back into the spotlight. This time, several other former contributors to 'Cradle of Filth' have joined the fight.

According to a Reddit post shared yesterday and initial coverage from ThePRP, a substantial lawsuit was filed in Arizona on September 30, 2025. The legal action targets vocalist Dani Filth (real name Daniel Lloyd Davey), Cradle of Filth Touring Limited, Cradle of Filth LLP, and The Oracle Management.

After an amendment submitted on November 20, the list of plaintiffs now includes Federoff, Smerda, former guitarist Paul Allender (1992–1995, 1999–2014), ex-guitarist Richard Shaw (2014–2022), former keyboardist/vocalist Lindsay Matheson (aka Lindsay Schoolcraft, 2013–2020), and model Sasha Baxter (aka Sasha Massacre), known for appearing in the music videos for “To Live Deliciously” and “Malignant Perception.”

The collective complaint accuses the defendants of multiple offenses: copyright infringement, misuse of personal likeness in merch, defamation, unpaid royalties for both live performances and past studio albums, unauthorized use of copyrighted creative work, unjust enrichment, and more.

A recap of the escalating fallout

Back in August, Federoff abruptly exited the band mid-tour. Although her initial departure statement was vague, she soon began publicly accusing Dani Filth and The Oracle Management, run by Dez Fafara of Coal Chamber and Anahstasia Fafara, of mismanagement and mistreatment.

At that moment, her husband Smerda was still in the band. While he had expressed dissatisfaction, he intended to finish the tour before stepping away. Instead, Dani Filth dismissed him the same day the tension became public.

From there, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Federoff and Smerda alleged toxic conditions within the band, poor compensation, and a hostile work environment. Federoff even posted an old contract she claimed validated their objections, stating both she and Smerda refused to sign it.

Dani Filth fired back with his own accusations, calling the couple alcoholics whose volatile relationship created an unhealthy and abusive atmosphere for everyone involved. At one point, he even claimed Federoff suffered a miscarriage due to alcohol consumption. He also publicly defended The Oracle Management, calling their involvement “nothing short of wonderful.”

The lawsuit’s core allegations

In the newly filed lawsuit, Federoff, Smerda, Matheson, Allender, and Shaw claim they never signed agreements permitting 'Cradle of Filth' or any affiliated business entity to use their names, images, or likenesses on merchandise. As a result, they say they were never properly paid for that usage. Federoff, Smerda, and Matheson also argue that they never signed valid agreements regarding their recorded contributions to past albums. Smerda, Shaw, and Matheson claim they were not fairly compensated for recordings made between 2017 and 2023. Shaw states he eventually received only £500 for sound recordings in 2023. Federoff and Smerda say they were not paid for their final live shows with the band in August.

Additionally, Matheson accuses the band of continuing to use sigils and symbols she created without permission or compensation. Baxter claims she was never paid for her work in the two music videos, particularly striking given that she is the main visual focus of “To Live Deliciously.”

Other grievances include the band’s refusal to provide accounting information related to merchandise, licensing, publishing, meet-and-greets, and revenue from sound recordings. The lawsuit even references disputes over a broken microphone and missing in-ear monitors.

What the plaintiffs are seeking

The group wants the court to require the defendants to:

• Stop selling merchandise that uses their likenesses

• Destroy all remaining stock tied to their images or work

• Replace missing or damaged audio equipment

• Provide compensatory and punitive damages for financial loss and emotional harm

• Cover all legal fees

• Take the case to a full jury trial

As of now, none of the defendants have issued any public response to the lawsuit.