Ed Sheeran Collaboration Torpedoed: Cradle of Filth’s Ashok Fired After Wife Quits Amid Pay and Contract Disputes

Cradle of Filth are once again in the spotlight, but not for their music. In a dramatic shake-up, long-time guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda has been fired from the band effective immediately, just hours after his wife and bandmate, keyboardist Zoë Marie Federoff, announced her departure.

The double exit has stunned fans, with insiders linking the fallout to internal tensions over pay, stress, and touring contracts—and even casting doubt on the band’s much-anticipated Ed Sheeran collaboration, first teased by frontman Dani Filth in 2022.

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Zoë’s Departure Sparks Turmoil

On social media, Federoff shared that she was leaving for personal reasons, expressing gratitude to fans while stopping short of pointing fingers. However, behind the scenes, her announcement appears to have triggered a chain reaction.

Ashok, who has been with Cradle of Filth since 2014, openly questioned the financial pressures and mental toll of the band’s relentless touring cycle. Hours later, news broke that he had been fired from the group altogether.

“Psychopathic” Contracts and Stress

Speaking candidly before his dismissal, Ashok hinted at deeper frustrations:

• Low pay compared to the demands of international touring.
• Contracts he described as “psychopathic” in nature.
• Mounting stress and exhaustion that left little room for family life.

These issues, according to sources close to the couple, were already weighing heavily—and Federoff’s exit reportedly pushed Ashok to a breaking point.

Impact on the Ed Sheeran Collaboration

Beyond the internal drama, the timing casts fresh doubt on one of the most unlikely but highly anticipated projects in heavy music: Cradle of Filth’s collaboration with Ed Sheeran.

The pop megastar has long expressed his love for metal and even hinted at writing with Dani Filth. Ashok was said to be one of the key players in preparing for the project, and his sudden firing could throw schedules into chaos.

For fans, the question remains: Will the Sheeran x Filth track ever see the light of day?

What’s Next for Cradle of Filth?

Cradle of Filth have not yet named replacements for either Ashok or Federoff, but the band’s tour commitments loom large. While Dani Filth has weathered many lineup changes throughout the band’s history, this double blow adds a fresh layer of uncertainty.

As one of extreme metal’s most theatrical acts, Cradle of Filth are no strangers to controversy. Yet this time, with the Ed Sheeran crossover hanging in the balance, the fallout reaches far beyond the metal world and into the global pop conversation.