Static-X, bassist/vocalist Tony Campos and current vocalist/manager Edsel Dope have collectively filed suit against Matt Zane. That suit was filed on August 20th, 2026 in a Californian court. This legal action follows a bitter dispute between the band’s camp and Zane over a documentary Zane has been undertaking on the final years of the lives of ex-Static-X vocalist/guitarist Wayne Static and his wife Tera Wray. That couple have since passed, with Zane repeatedly stating that he was asked by the couple to fulfill their wishes in bringing forth the documentary about them.
It is understood that prior to the two parties clashing, Zane had been employed by Static-X‘s camp for an upcoming officially sanctioned Static-X documentary titled ‘Evil Disco‘. Zane‘s relationship with the band’s camp is said to have fractured over his decision to also pursue his own documentary on the couple, something Zane has argued had previously been agreed upon.
Zane would go on to face cease and desists from the estates of Static and Wray in light of his plans to potentially include unreleased music from Wayne in the documentary. He attempted to crowdfund his documentary on the couple, though little funding was raised. Zane would then go on to announce he was self-funding it, and has previously spoken at length about the dispute over the documentary.
Tensions between the two parties have escalated in recent months as Zane has repeatedly shared clips on social media of Edsel and more sporting commentary that appeared to be unflattering about Wayne & Tera. To that end, the band’s newly filed complaint alleges that Zane has been, “maliciously posting unauthorized video segments that he stole directly from the copyrighted audiovisual recordings of the Evil Disco Static-X documentary, using deliberate and deceptive editing techniques to exploit those private clips outside of important context with the deliberate intent to do harm.”
The band also accuse him of “publicizing private information” about Edsel Dope and his family. They further allege that Zane, “unlawfully accessed and published his rhetoric on the official Static-X account on X.” The band’s camp also allege that Zane was compensated fairly for his work on the ‘Evil Disco‘ documentary and other associated projects, stating that the band’s LLC paid him more than $75,000.
The complaint goes on to allege that Zane not only leaked unedited ‘Evil Disco‘ footage, it further puts forth that Zane, “stole other Static-X data and items, potentially including copies of band members’ private email messages.” The band’s complaint alleges Zane violated the California Penal Code § 502(c), which refers to unauthorized access of computer, etc. systems, data theft and more.
They also allege that Zane violated California Penal Code § 528.5, which covers online impersonation and more. That claim comes forth over Zane allegedly gaining access to the Static-X X account on August 05th, 2026.
Additionally the band have filed claims of copyright infringement over the sharing of unedited footage from ‘Evil Disco‘, along with a claim of breaching, a “valid and enforceable unwritten contract between Static-X LLC and Zane” in regards to that documentary and their past working relationship. A claim of breach of confidence has also been put forth, relating to the handling of footage and other private data belonging to the band’s camp.
The Static-X camp have also lodged a claim of false light — invasion of privacy. That claim comes in response to footage from the unedited ‘Evil Disco‘ documentary said to have been shared by Zane which the band say was “misleadingly edited” and “intentionally removed from necessary context” to paint Edsel Dope and Tony Campos in a false light.
The band’s camp allege to have incurred damages in excess of $250,000 in light of Zane‘s conduct. The band are seeking a permanent injunction against Zane barring him from any further usage of the band’s copyrighted materials.
They are also seeking copyright infringement damages, and defendants’ profits in relation to that claim. Additional general, special, punitive and exemplary damages in excess of $1 million, as well as the costs of the legal fees and any additional relief the court deems necessary are also being sought.
A copy of the complaint can be found at this location, and emerged via this Reddit post shared today, September 03rd, by an individual said to be professionally associated with the the band’s camp. Continued updates on the legal proceedings are available via pacermonitor.com.
