Former Cradle of Filth Members Launch Legal Action Against Vocalist Dani Filth
The move follows the departures of keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff and guitarist Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda
Dani Filth, founder and vocalist of British black metal band Cradle of Filth, is being sued by six former members.
The lawsuit:
The action has been brought by keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff and guitarist Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda, who left the band several months ago citing “low pay” and “stress.”
Also named as plaintiffs are former members Paul Allender (guitar 1992-1995, 1999 – 2014), Richard Shaw (guitar 2014-2022), Lindsay Matheson (keyboards 2013-2020) and Sasha Baxter, who appeared in several of the band’s videos.
As per NME, the lawsuit includes allegations of copyright infringement, misappropriation of the plaintiffs’ likeness in merchandise, defamation, unpaid royalties for live shows and unauthorized use of copyright.
Dani Filth is yet to respond.
Dani Filth, founder and vocalist of British black metal band Cradle of Filth, is being sued by six former members.
The lawsuit:
The action has been brought by keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff and guitarist Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda, who left the band several months ago citing “low pay” and “stress.”
Also named as plaintiffs are former members Paul Allender (guitar 1992-1995, 1999 – 2014), Richard Shaw (guitar 2014-2022), Lindsay Matheson (keyboards 2013-2020) and Sasha Baxter, who appeared in several of the band’s videos.
As per NME, the lawsuit includes allegations of copyright infringement, misappropriation of the plaintiffs’ likeness in merchandise, defamation, unpaid royalties for live shows and unauthorized use of copyright.
Dani Filth is yet to respond.
Dani Filth, founder and vocalist of British black metal band Cradle of Filth, is being sued by six former members.
The lawsuit:
The action has been brought by keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff and guitarist Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda, who left the band several months ago citing “low pay” and “stress.”
Also named as plaintiffs are former members Paul Allender (guitar 1992-1995, 1999 – 2014), Richard Shaw (guitar 2014-2022), Lindsay Matheson (keyboards 2013-2020) and Sasha Baxter, who appeared in several of the band’s videos.
As per NME, the lawsuit includes allegations of copyright infringement, misappropriation of the plaintiffs’ likeness in merchandise, defamation, unpaid royalties for live shows and unauthorized use of copyright.
Dani Filth is yet to respond.
Dani Filth
Cradle of Filth
Zoe Marie Federoff
Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda
Richard Shaw
Lindsay Matheson
Sasha Baxter
Band Infighting Leads To Litigation
Artist Lawsuits and Legal Battles
High-Profile Artist Litigation
Artist Rights And Royalty Disputes
Music Industry Litigation
Legal Scrutiny Of Major Artists
Artist-Led Defamation Lawsuits
Litigation
Copyright Infringement
Royalty Disputes
Image Rights
Intra-Band Litigation
Artist Defamation Lawsuit
Legal Disputes
United Kingdom
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This story was written with information from NME.
We covered it because it’s news of a lawsuit involving a high-profile band.
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
Related Articles
Policy & Legal
Jan 16, 2026
1 min read
Australian Radio Royalty Rates Set to Jump by 38%
The new rate is back dated to July 2023
Policy & Legal
Jan 14, 2026
1 min read
Bandcamp Lays Out Ban on AI-Generated Music
Bandcamp is the first major music store to present such restrictions
Policy & Legal
Jan 14, 2026
1 min read
US Judge Upholds Landmark Ruling That Songwriters Can Reclaim Their Copyrights Worldwide
The precedent was set by songwriter Cyril Vetter taking back global ownership of the 1963 song “Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love)” from publisher Resnik Music Group
Australian Radio Royalty Rates Set to Jump by 38%
The new rate is back dated to July 2023
Rod Yates
Policy
Jan 16, 2026
Bandcamp Lays Out Ban on AI-Generated Music
Bandcamp is the first major music store to present such restrictions
Harry Levin
Policy
Jan 14, 2026
US Judge Upholds Landmark Ruling That Songwriters Can Reclaim Their Copyrights Worldwide
The precedent was set by songwriter Cyril Vetter taking back global ownership of the 1963 song “Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love)” from publisher Resnik Music Group
Harry Levin
Policy
Jan 14, 2026
Lizzo Reaches Settlement in Copyright Case Tied to Unreleased Song
The track referenced Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad campaign
Rod Yates
Policy
Jan 13, 2026
Over 130 Music Professionals Demand EU Action on Unauthorized Ticket Resales
Signatories to the open letter include reps for A-list artists such as Radiohead, Oasis, and Ed Sheeran
Harry Levin
Policy
Jan 12, 2026
Elon Musk’s X Sues NMPA, 18 Publishers as Licensing Dispute Widens
The platform alleges collusion and anti-competitive behavior
Rod Yates
Policy
Jan 12, 2026
