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
Feb 10, 2026
1 min read
Joe Rinaldi Appointed President of NIVA California
The organization has outlined a strategic four-pillar focus for 2026
Policy & Legal
Feb 10, 2026
1 min read
Pandora and the MLC Escalate Royalties Dispute
Each has requested summary judgment in their favor
Policy & Legal
Feb 9, 2026
1 min read
Anna’s Archive Lawsuit May Enter Default Judgement
The pirate group has failed to respond to the suit alleging it scraped 86 millions songs from Spotify
Joe Rinaldi Appointed President of NIVA California
The organization has outlined a strategic four-pillar focus for 2026
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 10, 2026
Pandora and the MLC Escalate Royalties Dispute
Each has requested summary judgment in their favor
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 10, 2026
Anna’s Archive Lawsuit May Enter Default Judgement
The pirate group has failed to respond to the suit alleging it scraped 86 millions songs from Spotify
Harry Levin
Policy
Feb 9, 2026
Is New York the Next Market to Introduce a Ticket Resale Cap?
Proposed legislation will prevent tickets being resold for more than face value
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 9, 2026
Chris Brown Sued Over Rights and Royalties Dispute
Artist Steve Chokpelle claims Brown released their co-writes without crediting or paying royalties
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 9, 2026
Spotify Releases Its Policy Roadmap
Calls for an improvement in metadata quality, safeguards against AI, and more
Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 9, 2026
