Metal Anarchy

Ex-Cradle Of Filth keyboardist/vocalist Lindsay Schoolcraft has shared her thoughts on the recent departures of the band’s latest keyboardist/vocalist Zoë Marie Federoff and guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda. According to her, she is “really, REALLY proud of Zoë and Ashok for breaking the silence and to other past members and crew who’ve spoken up on the absolutely unethical work environment.”

Schoolcraft said the following:

“I’ve been asked a lot this past week as to why I haven’t come out with the full story of what happened to me in my old band and the details around why I truly left vs the band-aid statement of ‘mental health.’ The reason I haven’t fully spoken out yet is that if/when I do come forward I will need legal representation and counselling and in Canada that can cost me upwards of tens of thousands of dollars based on my case.

I’ve sunken a lot of my business and personal finances into completing/marketing my next album this year so I don’t have the financial means to fight this right now. Plus it will be a lot of reliving my trauma from gathering all the receipts and I also don’t have the mental capacity or energy to do that at the moment either.

I know and believe my reason is also the reason as to why other members are not coming forward. The most abusive people in our industry hide behind their money and power (lawyers) they’ve spent decades building off of exploiting others everywhere and every which way they can. Something that is gruellingly exhausting to fight against when you exit with a broken spirit and low income. Which makes the option of moving on in silence the most logical choice. Even when your story is the truth and you have the proof.

I’m really, REALLY proud of Zoë and Ashok for breaking the silence and to other past members and crew who’ve spoken up on the absolutely unethical work environment that band is. Please know I am better these days and thriving far away from that chaos. I came so close to losing my life back then, and unfortunately Zoë and Ashok had to lose a future child because of it. NO ONE should have to tolerate any of this when desiring the dream of being a career musician and wanting to work in our industry. NO ONE.

I’m sure this opens the door to many more questions. Those of which may be answered one day. Please know my silence isn’t compliance, it never was. It has been practical and survival.

Thank you.”

[via BraveWords]