Wayne Static’s Estate Files Cease & Desist Over Matt Zane’s Unauthorized Documentary
The Wayne Static estate is ratcheting up their actions against filmmaker Matt Zane and the unauthorized documentary he’s trying to release on the late Static-X frontman and his late wife Tera Wray. After making their opposition to the documentary known, the family issued a cease-and-desist letter to Zane in a bid to put the whole project on ice.
According to a report on Blabbermouth, Zane said since stated that he intends to continue with the release of the film and that he’s “ready and willin to take this as far as it goes…if it’s the last thing that I do.”
In his statement, Zane pointed out that there are other Wayne Static documentaries out there and was unsure why his was being targeted by Static and Wray’s surviving family members.
“If you go to YouTube right now you’ll see multiple unauthorized documentaries about Wayne Static with hundreds of thousands of views.
“None of them were threatened with legal action. I’m the only one served with a cease-and-desist letter — and I haven’t even started production yet. Why am I being singled out?”
The documentary project was originally announced last month, with Zane stating that he’d begin filming in earnest next month. Zane said he’d also had some of the filming done while both Static and Wray were still alive, stating that the couple wanted him to film and complete the documentary.
In order to get the project funded, Wray launched an Indiegogo, though that effort hasn’t exactly gone well, having only received a total of $200 in donations from two backers.
Static died on November 1, 2014 due to a prescription drug overdose involving oxycodone, hydromorphone, Xanax, and alcohol. Wray committed suicide at her Joshua Tree, California home on January 13, 2016.
The estates of both Wray and Static have been vocal about their opposition to Zane’s documentary, releasing as tatement that called it an “exploitation of this dark and tragic chapter in their lives.”
“A message from the families of Wayne Static & Tera Wray. We are sharing this with the world to ensure that our feelings are crystal clear on this matter.
“We are not interested in the further development of any unauthorized biography or documentary focused on our deceased son, daughter, and siblings, Wayne Wells (‘Wayne Static’) and Tera Lents (‘Tera Wray’). This includes but is not limited to: any behind-the-scenes footage from music videos, adult film sets, concerts, house parties, developmental projects, reality TV pilots, private photos, or any other portrayals of Wayne Wells Static, Tera Lents Wray Static, or either of their likenesses. Any attempt to exploit their unauthorized likeness will be met with the appropriate legal response.
“We strenuously object to any further exploration or exploitation of this dark and tragic chapter in their lives. Additionally, we feel that the music video for the Wayne Static song ‘Assassins Of Youth’, directed by Matt Zane and released in 2013, and the Static-X ‘Stay Alive’ music video released in 2023, thoroughly depict the dangerous lifestyle that Wayne and Tera were embracing prior to their subsequent deaths.
“Further, Static-X is nearing completion of the official Static-X documentary titled ‘Evil Disco – The Rise, Fall, And Regeneration Of Static-X’. The official documentary dives deep into the entire life’s work of Wayne Static and Static-X. The film is expected to be around 80 minutes in length and devotes the appropriate amount of time to exploring the lifestyle changes and ultimate tragedies that followed.
“If Mr. Zane is in possession of any additional rare or unseen footage that could contribute to the celebration of Wayne’s life and legacy, we kindly ask him to share the footage with our families so that we can review and consider it for potential inclusion in the official ‘Evil Disco’ documentary. Additionally, any unreleased music featuring the voice of Wayne Static or his musical compositions would require the approval of the estate before any publication or release.
“We further challenge Mr. Zane to share any musical works that he claims might contain the actual voice of Wayne Static so that we can determine their authenticity and quality for consideration. We are not interested in Wayne Static’s voice appearing within any Al-generated music. In closing, we would like to thank the Static-X fans around the world for their continued love and support for Wayne and the band. We are so proud of the band and what they have accomplished together.
“Static-X’s music is as popular as ever, and Wayne’s energy and legacy have been celebrated and regenerated through the band’s incredible return to the stage. We fully support the current team and lineup of Static-X and their continued respect and love for Wayne’s memory and our family. We are delighted that the world is continuing to celebrate the powerful music that Wayne and the band created together and the incredible energy that he and the band have always carried onto the stage.
“Sincerely, The family and estate of Wayne Wells Static & Tera Lents Static.”
