Static-X, bassist Tony Campos and frontman Edsel Dope have filed a lawsuit against filmmaker Matt Zane, alleging copyright infringement, false light and other claims tied to the ongoing dispute surrounding Static-X documentary footage.
The legal action marks the latest escalation in a long-running and increasingly public dispute between Zane, whose legal name is Matthew Zicari, and the Static-X camp (per Lamb Goat).
According to the complaint, the dispute follows Zane’s previous involvement with Evil Disco, an official Static-X documentary project that the band says it developed and funded independently.
The filing alleges that Zane was paid more than $75,000 for work connected to the project before later withdrawing from it. Static-X, Campos and Edsel Dope, whose legal name is Brian Ebejer, now allege that Zane has subsequently used material connected to the documentary without authorisation.
‘Zicari betrayed Plaintiffs and is now weaponizing valuable, confidential Static-X digital property against them on a daily basis,’ the complaint states (per Lamb Goat).
Static-X allege footage was used without permission
The lawsuit alleges that Zane has posted unauthorised video clips originating from copyrighted footage connected to Evil Disco.
The plaintiffs further claim that some of the footage was recorded in private spaces and has been presented without broader context.
Zane has previously shared clips online featuring Edsel Dope while publicly criticising Static-X and promoting his own unauthorised documentary project concerning late Static-X frontman Wayne Static and Tera Wray.
The complaint also alleges Zane improperly accessed Static-X’s official X account and published posts concerning members of the band.
These remain allegations contained within the lawsuit and have not been determined by a court.
Plaintiffs seek damages and injunction
Static-X, Campos and Ebejer are requesting a jury trial.
Among the relief sought is a preliminary and permanent injunction preventing further alleged use of copyrighted materials, damages relating to alleged copyright infringement and profits, legal costs and attorneys’ fees.
The complaint also seeks general, special, punitive and exemplary damages exceeding $1 million, the filing is the clearest legal escalation yet in a dispute that has unfolded publicly throughout this year.
Zane has previously released material he says relates to Wayne Static, Tera Wray and Static-X’s history, while the Static-X camp and the estates connected to Wayne and Tera have opposed aspects of his documentary work.
At the time of publication, the allegations outlined in the lawsuit remain before the court. No finding has been made on the merits of the claims.
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