Zoë M. Federoff has shared an update on her growing social media presence following her departure from Cradle of Filth. She posted the statement on Instagram.
The musician revealed that her fanbase has expanded significantly since leaving the band. Federoff expressed her gratitude for the unexpected support she has received from listeners who continue to follow her solo work.
“Woke up to 40,000 Facebook followers and the Catalyst Crime Facebook page is at almost 25,000,” Federoff said. “This is pretty wild for this girl from Tucson to see. I’ve actually had 25% more people following me across all social media since leaving my previous project.”
The announcement reflects the positive reception Federoff’s music has garnered independently. She emphasized her appreciation for the continued support during this new chapter of her career.
“I wasn’t expecting this and I’m extremely grateful and humbled that you all want to keep listening to the music I’m making,” she continued. “Getting a little emotional here. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Federoff’s statement comes after a highly publicized departure from Cradle of Filth that sparked significant controversy within the metal community. Federoff announced her exit on August 24, 2025, via social media, as reported by Consequence. She cited “personal reasons” for her decision to leave the band mid-tour in South America. Federoff had joined Cradle of Filth in 2022 as female vocalist and keyboardist, bringing a new dimension to the band’s sound.
The departure was complicated by the simultaneous exit of her husband, guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda. Tensions escalated when Federoff and Ashok shared details of their experiences, as detailed by Metal Injection. They were presented with a contract they refused to sign. Federoff published the contract online to reveal what she described as unfair terms and low pay.
The situation quickly deteriorated into a public feud with frontman Dani Filth. The PRP reported that Filth addressed the situation in a detailed statement. He acknowledged the contract was “shitty” but claimed it was intended to open dialogue. Filth stated that Federoff’s initial request for a pay raise was approved. However, her communication became increasingly hostile. Filth accused Federoff and Ashok of causing drama behind the scenes and escalating the situation unnecessarily.
Federoff and Ashok countered with accusations of their own. They claimed that Filth and band management exploited musicians and created a toxic work environment. The dispute quickly involved lawyers, turning a personal conflict into a public social media battle. This divided fans and raised awareness about the rights and treatment of musicians in the metal industry.
Despite the contentious circumstances of her departure, Federoff’s recent announcement demonstrates that her solo career and independent projects have resonated strongly with audiences. The significant growth in her social media following suggests that many fans have chosen to support her musical endeavors moving forward. This marks a positive turn for the artist as she establishes herself outside of Cradle of Filth.
