Four years after providing pivotal testimony in R. Kelly’s 2022 federal trial, Reshona Landfair is sharing her full story with the release of her memoir, Who’s Watching Shorty?: Reclaiming Myself from the Shame of R. Kelly’s Abuse, on . The book details Landfair’s experiences and her journey toward healing from the trauma inflicted during her relationship with the singer.
Landfair, who testified as a Jane Doe during the trial that led to Kelly’s conviction on racketeering and sex trafficking charges, has spoken about wanting to reclaim her narrative. “I really wanted to live in my true skin and my true self. My true self today is Reshona Landfair,” she stated, according to reports.
A central theme of the memoir revolves around the moment Landfair learned that a sexually explicit video of her and Kelly had been sold. She described feeling “empty,” “hollow,” and “very confused” upon discovering the distribution of the tape, which was created when she was a minor. This event, and the subsequent fallout, significantly shaped her life and contributed to years of silence.
Landfair has expressed regret for not coming forward sooner, acknowledging that she didn’t report the initial abuse or implicate Kelly in his 2002 and 2008 trials. She attributes this silence to being “trained and groomed” from the age of 13, a process that clouded her judgment and made it difficult to recognize and articulate the abuse she was experiencing. “I started believing the lies that I was telling,” she explained.
The memoir is written in the second person, a stylistic choice Landfair made to address her younger self, offering guidance and lessons learned on the path to healing. She also extends this address to Kelly himself, signaling a degree of closure and a determination to move forward.
Landfair’s story extends beyond her relationship with Kelly. She was a member of the musical group 4 The Cause, signed to RCA/BMG from 1994 to 2000. More recently, she has worked in community health within the Chicago public school system and founded Project Refine, a mentor program for young women. This work reflects her commitment to supporting others who have experienced similar trauma.
The release of Who’s Watching Shorty? comes as R. Kelly remains incarcerated. He is currently serving a 30-year federal prison sentence. Despite the convictions and numerous allegations spanning decades, Kelly continues to maintain a base of support among some fans.
Recent reports indicate that Kelly’s projected release date is currently listed as , tied to a remaining 19-year sentence. Given his current age of 59, the possibility of an earlier release appears unlikely.
Published by Legacy Lit, the hardcover edition of Who’s Watching Shorty? consists of 256 pages and measures 6.0 x 9.0 x 1.0 inches, weighing 1.0 pound. The book is currently available for pre-order, though the standard hardcover edition is currently sold out. A damaged hardcover version is available for final sale.
Landfair’s memoir represents a significant moment not only in her own journey but also in the broader conversation surrounding R. Kelly’s abuse and the long-lasting impact of sexual exploitation. It offers a firsthand account of the manipulation and trauma experienced by one of his victims and provides a powerful message of resilience, and hope.
