A group of former members of the British extreme‑metal band Cradle of Filth have filed a lawsuit against frontman Dani Filth and the band’s associated management companies, alleging serious misconduct including unpaid royalties, unauthorized use of likenesses, and defamation.
The plaintiffs — including ex‑guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda, ex‑keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff, former guitarists Paul Allender and Richard Shaw, former keyboardist/vocalist Lindsay Schoolcraft, and a video model known as Sasha Baxter — say they never signed contracts allowing the band to use their performances, likenesses, or artwork in merchandise, albums, or promotional materials.
According to the lawsuit, defendants incorporated their images and creative contributions (including sigils created by Schoolcraft) into band merchandise and releases without permission or adequate compensation. Former keyboardist Federoff also claims the band destroyed or retained her audio equipment — including a microphone and in‑ear monitors — without return.
Additionally, the suit accuses Dani Filth of defamation, alleging he publicly claimed Federoff drank alcohol while pregnant, insinuating those actions were responsible for a tragic miscarriage. Plaintiffs say these statements damaged reputations and caused emotional distress.
The lawsuit — first filed in Arizona on September 30, 2025 and amended as recently as November 20 — seeks a court injunction to halt sales of any existing merchandise featuring the plaintiffs’ likenesses, destruction of existing stock, compensatory and punitive damages, and coverage of legal fees. They are also requesting a jury trial.
The legal action brings to a head months of internal friction within Cradle of Filth. In August 2025, Federoff abruptly exited the band mid‑tour, followed by Šmerda’s firing after publicly criticizing the band’s business and management practices. Those departures revealed — according to the plaintiffs — a broader pattern of exploitative contracts, mismanagement, and lack of respect for members’ rights.
As of now, neither Dani Filth nor the named companies have publicly responded to the legal challenge. The case — if successful — could dramatically reshape how bands, especially in the metal world, treat former members’ rights to music, image, and creative contributions.