Matt Zane Releases Supportive Statement from Tera Wray’s Ex-Roommate
The back and forth between filmmaker Matt Zane and the estate of Wayne Static and Tera Wray Static continues, though this time, it seems like Zane has finally got a little bit of support for his side of things when it comes to the unauthorized documentary he’s working on about the couple’s dramatic relationship. No one has been on his side about making the documentary since he first announced it, but it seems he’s now found in ally in Tera Wray’s former roommate, Jay’e Jones.
Zane released a statement from Jones, that appears to be backing him on his intentions with the film, on Thursday, December 18. It reads:
“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.”
Both of Static and Wray’s families recently issued Zane a cease and desist, among other public decries to get him to nix the project. He started a crowdfunding campaign for the film, along with sharing details about it that claim he’s got six unreleased songs that feature Wayne static that’ll include. So far, Zane’s campaign has reached its first goal of $3k.
I get that there’s now someone else saying that Static and Wray wanted this to happen, and, I’m of the belief that you should always fulfill the wishes of the dead. But, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—if the family’s of the fallen don’t want it, and they’re the literal next of kin, then why do it?
