Matt Zane has shared a statement from Jay’e Jones, former roommate of Tera Wray Static, defending his planned unauthorized documentary on Wayne Static and Tera Wray. 

Zane has faced heavy pushback from both families over his intent to move forward with a film covering the final seven years of the couple’s lives. Going as far to send Zane a formal cease and desist.

Zane, who is known for his work in Society 1 and in adult film industry, claims the documentary began with Wayne and Tera’s blessing before their deaths. Despite the families publicly condemning the project and issuing him a cease and desist order this week, Zane has pushed ahead and launched a crowdfunding campaign for the film.

Crowdfunding for Zane’s disputed documentary has stalled following widespread backlash, with only four backers contributing a combined $400 since the campaign launched on December 11th. The fundraiser has a first goal of $3K.

Fueling the debate is Zane’s claim that six unreleased songs featuring Wayne Static’s vocals and songwriting exist and could be incorporated into the film. That material, combined with the families’ opposition and Zane’s refusal to halt production, has kept the project at the center of ongoing controversy.

Zane shared the statement from Jones on Thursday, December 18th:

I am only sharing the following because I feel a responsibility to honor the wishes of my friends Wayne Static and Tera Wray Static.

During the last years of Wayne and Tera’s lives, I spent a great deal of time with them. In numerous conversations, they expressed how excited they were about creating a documentary about their lives together, with their close friend Matt Zane. They trusted him, and they believed in his vision. They chose HIM. This wasn’t a casual or fleeting idea, it was something they discussed repeatedly and with great enthusiasm.

After Wayne passed, Tera became even more dedicated to the project. She saved music, personal recordings, things deeply meaningful to both of them…with the intention that the material would be used in the documentary Matt would create. When she moved in with me, she made sure I knew exactly where those materials were and who was supposed to tell their story. I thought it was odd that she was so adamant in my knowing of those details, but in retrospect I suppose she knew there was a good chance that her depression could possibly overtake her…and I should know in case anything ever happened to her? I’ll never know. I did however, take that responsibility VERY seriously, especially after her suicide, which was insanely alarming and traumatic for me.

After Tera passed away, Wayne’s incredibly sweet parents contacted me, and asked that I give them everything Tera had saved that was Wayne’s property regarding his music. I immediately obliged. I gave them everything, in one box. Music, some personal belongings, etc. I also passed on the information that both Wayne and Tera had intentions to use some of that material (Wayne’s newer solo recordings, etc.) for a documentary they were planning with Matt. After that, it was completely out of my hands.

Years later, when I was asked to participate in the original documentary, I agreed, because I believed I was honoring Wayne and Tera’s wishes. That is why it was shocking for me to learn that Matt was no longer involved with that original project, and that their story was being reshaped without him (and their specific wishes.) I understand that people have strong opinions about Wayne, Tera, and their past. But I want to be absolutely clear about one thing: Wayne and Tera wanted Matt Zane to tell their story.

Matt’s new documentary is the only project that reflects their original intention- to share their story honestly, with all its joy and its struggles, told by someone who loved them as a friend, not as a narrative opportunity. I ask only that people remain open-minded to that truth.

This isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about respecting Wayne and Tera’s wishes.