Former Cradle of Filth guitarist Marek "Ashok" Šmerda has shared his first words since returning home following a tumultuous week that saw both he and his wife, ex-keyboardist/vocalist Zoë M. Federoff, leave the band amid explosive allegations of toxic treatment, financial exploitation, and personal tragedy.
Ashok's statement, posted to social media, reads like a mix of gratitude, grief, and determination to move forward: "I am home, finally. This has been hard week but I am so grateful to fans and friends for support.
"My fellow musicians who reach out particular, who know how much I needed people who understand situation – and the fans as well, I am grateful so many stand by the side of we who make the music instead of the business greedy. It is this support that makes music happen, because you inspire souls.
"I am still reading so many messages of warmth and literally close to tears, cannot believe how much love there is in this world. 12 years in Cradle, and before that my years in Root and other bands — it has been 25 year journey to today, and some of you with me the entire time — it is beyond humbling.
"Many of you may ask why now, after 12 years, did I choose this — we were promised changes and better days year after year, and we kept hoping for them to be real. I kept hoping because of you all. I kept going for you all. To deliver you music that brought you real joy was so incredible. I wish band had been better to us because I wanted to always be better to you.
"I also want to thank especially my wife for her courage in detailing so much of what has been wrong for long time. She now is telling me not to dare put down guitar — like I ever would, haha, I have more music to make, more to do with my life and my art, and she is right. I cannot put down guitar. I am not done creating, I am done being used for my creation but creativity continues. Something new begins. Something good. So, this is not goodbye — this is, hello, life is good, and you all helped make it to be so good."
Ashok's words come just days after Zoë M. Federoff released a blistering exposé, accusing Cradle of Filth's management of attempted financial theft, manipulative and abusive behavior, and exploiting session musicians for "poverty wages." Her statement also revealed the heartbreaking toll the band's environment had taken, including a miscarriage suffered while on tour.
"We left because we were being used and paid less than the cost of living, the environment is toxic and threatening… and the toll this was all taking on our lives and our marriage grew too great," Zoë wrote.
She urged future session members to "READ THE CONTRACT" and consult a lawyer before agreeing to join, describing the document presented to them as "the most psychopathic contract a session musician could ever be handed."
In the midst of the couple's exit, frontman Dani Filth announced that Ashok had been fired "effective immediately," despite the guitarist's earlier pledge to finish the Latin American tour "strong" for fans and crew. Dani labeled accusations toward management "unjust and unfounded" and accused Ashok of attempting to "illegally defame and derail the band."
For Ashok, however, the focus now seems firmly on renewal: leaving behind what he calls years of broken promises and stepping into a new creative chapter.
