One of R. Kelly’s accusers is coming forward to write a memoir sharing her story, name, and words publicly for the first time.
Who’s Watching Shorty was written by the formerly anonymous Reshona Landfair. According to the PUBLISHING Book Group, the memoir “outlines a pattern of looking away,” pointing to the adults, institutions, and industry figures who chose not to intervene. Landfair writes about the emotional reality of being pulled into Kelly’s orbit, the manipulation she endured, and the years she spent believing she had to keep his secrets. The memoir also describes how Kelly referred to her as his “goddaughter,” and how that dynamic coupled with his celebrity status kept her trapped.
In a statement issued to People, Landfair said she hopes her story helps others break cycles of silence: “I want other young women to know that no matter what has been done to you, or what you have endured, it was not your fault. Show yourself some grace and the healing will begin.”
The memoir has already received early praise from writer and cultural critic Mikki Kendall, who described it as “beautifully brutal,” and features a foreword from Drew Dixon.
