Matt Zane Finds Support In Ongoing Wayne Static Documentary Dispute

The long running dispute between filmmaker Matt Zane and the estates of Wayne Static and Tera Wray Static has taken another turn.

While Zane’s unauthorised documentary about the late couple has been widely criticised since its announcement, he has now received public backing from someone close to Wray, her former roommate, Jay’e Jones.

On Thursday, December 18th, Zane shared a statement from Jones, who says she is speaking out to honour what she believes were Wayne and Tera’s wishes regarding the project.

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

Jones says she spent significant time with the couple during the final years of their lives and claims they repeatedly discussed plans for a documentary with Zane.

“They expressed how excited they were about creating a documentary about their lives together, with their close friend Matt Zane… They chose HIM. This wasn’t a casual or fleeting idea.”

According to Jones, after Wayne Static’s death in 2014, Wray became increasingly committed to the project, saving music and personal recordings intended for use in Zane’s film.

Jones states that Wray was deliberate in explaining where those materials were kept and who was meant to tell their story, something Jones now views through the lens of Wray’s struggles with depression.

“I did however, take that responsibility VERY seriously, especially after her suicide, which was insanely alarming and traumatic for me.”

Jones also confirms that after Wray’s death in 2016, she handed over Wayne Static’s materials to his parents at their request, while informing them of the couple’s documentary plans with Zane.

Years later, Jones agreed to participate in an earlier documentary project, believing she was fulfilling Wayne and Tera’s wishes. She says she was shocked to learn Zane had been removed from that project and that the story was being reshaped without him.

“Wayne and Tera wanted Matt Zane to tell their story,” Jones wrote. “Matt’s new documentary is the only project that reflects their original intention.”

Despite this statement, both the Static and Wray families have issued cease and desist notices to Zane and have publicly opposed the film.

Crowdfunding goal met

Zane has since launched a crowdfunding campaign, claiming the documentary will include six unreleased songs featuring Wayne Static, the campaign has reached its initial $3,000 goal.

Jones insists her statement is not about taking sides, writing, “This isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about respecting Wayne and Tera’s wishes.”

The central conflict remains unresolved, while some argue the wishes of the deceased should be honoured, others point to the objections of the families, who are the legal next of kin.

As the situation continues to unfold, the question lingers, where does respect truly lie when grief, ownership, and legacy collide?