by Dani Filth, frontman of extreme metal band Cradle of Filth, has drawn criticism from fans after reposting images of rapper Cardi B wearing merchandise from the band’s collaboration with fashion house Vetements. The images were originally reported by The Oracle Management on Instagram.
The controversy began when Filth reposted a carousel of photos originally shared by the band’s management group, The Oracle Management. The photos showed Cardi B in a Cradle of Filth T-shirt maxi dress from their Vetements collaboration.
The repost sparked immediate backlash from the band’s fanbase. Many questioned the authenticity of the rapper’s support for metal music.
“This is embarrassing,” one Cradle of Filth fan commented on the post.
Other fans expressed similar skepticism about the collaboration’s legitimacy.
“I wonder if she know any Cradle of Filth songs lmao,” another fan wrote.
A third fan drew comparisons to previous celebrity fashion controversies in the metal community.
“It’s like Khloe Kardashian wearing the Slayer shirt,” another Cradle of Filth fan commented.
The incident reflects a broader trend of luxury fashion brands collaborating with metal bands. Such partnerships often spark debate within music communities. Mr Porter reported that Vetements released a capsule collection with Cradle of Filth featuring oversized panelled printed cotton jersey T-shirts and hoodies inspired by classic concert merch, showcasing the band’s gothic logos and iconic imagery.
The collaboration represents a significant departure from traditional band merchandise pricing. Patron of the New noted that the Cradle of Filth x Vetements Iconic Nun Metalized T-Shirt retails at $2,240, while T-shirt dresses are available for $1,940 at select retailers. The collection is characterized by Vetements’ signature oversized, deconstructed silhouettes. It features prints referencing Cradle of Filth’s “Iconic Nun” artwork, a nod to the band’s controversial 1998 album cover.
The backlash against Cardi B mirrors a recurring pattern in metal culture. Loudwire revealed that there is no public statement or evidence confirming that Cardi B is a fan of metal or rock music. The incident appears to be a fashion moment rather than a declaration of musical preference. The metal community had mixed reactions. Some questioned her credibility as a fan with comments like “Name three songs” and “What’s her favorite album?”, while others defended her right to wear the merch without gatekeeping.
This controversy echoes similar incidents involving celebrities wearing metal band apparel. Previous examples include celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, who faced criticism for wearing vintage band shirts without clear ties to the music. In each case, fans debated the line between appropriation and appreciation, often accusing the wearers of cultural tourism rather than genuine fandom. The gatekeeping phenomenon, particularly the “Name three songs” challenge, reflects long-standing tensions within metal and punk subcultures about authenticity and credibility.
While these controversies often surface accusations of inauthenticity, they can also bring mainstream attention and sometimes new fans to niche musical genres. This creates a double-edged sword for the communities involved.
