Six Former Members File Joint Lawsuit Against CRADLE OF FILTH Over Likeness & Merch Rights

Six former members of Cradle Of Filth have jointly filed a lawsuit against the band, its business entities, and its management, according to documents submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.

The plaintiffs—Zoë Federoff, Marek “Ashok” Smerda, Lindsay Schoolcraft (Lindsay Matheson), Richard Shaw, Paul Allender, and Sasha Baxter—are suing Cradle of Filth LLP, Cradle of Filth Touring Ltd., frontman Dani Filth, and Oracle Management.

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Claims of Unauthorized Likeness & Performance Use

At the center of the suit is the alleged continued commercial use of the former members’ likenesses and recorded performances after each had departed the band. The complaint asserts that merchandise, vinyl, posters, online product listings, and paid meet-and-greet material continued to feature their images without permission or compensation.

The filing also alleges that likeness-based merchandise was licensed to outside vendors through a deal referred to as the Night Shift Master Licensing Agreement. The plaintiffs claim they requested a copy of the agreement but were never provided one.

Individual Allegations Highlighted in the Complaint

• Lindsay Schoolcraft claims her original Sigils artwork was sold on merchandise without authorization.
• Sasha Baxter alleges she was never paid for her appearances in the band’s “Malignant Perfection” and “To Live Deliciously” music videos, and later discovered merchandise using her image from those shoots.
• Zoë Federoff and Marek “Ashok” Smerda allege they were offered a post-departure contract granting the band exclusive control over their likenesses, recorded appearances, and revenue from VIP or meet-and-greet events featuring their images. Both declined to sign.

Defamation Claim Included

The lawsuit also includes a defamation count involving comments allegedly made publicly by Dani Filth, in which he is said to have claimed Federoff consumed alcohol while pregnant and implied her miscarriage was alcohol-related—an accusation the filing states damaged her reputation.

Tour Merch Allegations

According to the lawsuit, merchandise featuring the plaintiffs’ likenesses allegedly continued to be sold during recent tours—even after objections had been formally raised.

What Happens Next

The court has not yet scheduled a hearing. The case will not move forward until an official answer is filed and the court issues its initial scheduling order.

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