Legacy Lit to Publish WHO’S WATCHING SHORTY? by Reshona Landfair: A Fearless, Timely Memoir About One of the Most High-Profile Cases of a Generation
New York, NY (November 17, 2025)—Legacy Lit is pleased to announce the forthcoming publication of WHO’S WATCHING SHORTY?: Reclaiming Myself from the Shame of R. Kelly’s Abuse by Reshona Landfair, scheduled for publication on February 03, 2026.
Reshona Landfair—known as “Jane Doe” when she testified at R. Kelly’s trial—was the 14-year-old-girl in the child pornography video that ultimately led to racketeering and sex-trafficking convictions and a 30-year prison sentence for the R&B superstar. No one in Landfair’s world was looking out for her interests or trying to protect her from someone who was a known (or at least rumored) predator. The people who should have stood up for her—from her family to music business executives to social services to law enforcement—all looked the other way, blinded by his fame and celebrity. That’s the story that hasn’t been told, and which Reshona is finally ready to recount, in her own words.
What was it like to be a young teenager, emotionally still a child, and be caught up in his orbit? Why did she believe he loved her, despite how badly he treated her? Why did she keep his secrets for so long? This book is an insider’s view from the girl, now woman, that R. Kelly called his “goddaughter,” the man to whom she lost her virginity, her voice, her freedom, and nearly her life, in the years he had her under his perverse control.
A deeply personal and ultimately empowering memoir, Who’s Watching Shorty? is more than a story of bravery; it’s a hard-hitting reminder to always look after those you love. Jane Doe is no longer a nameless plaintiff on a long court document. Jane Doe is Reshona Landfair, a champion of victims of abuse and coercion, a woman whose fearless voice and transformative words will provide courage for generations to come.
“Here at Legacy Lit, we are honored to be able to share and uplift Reshona’s story. This is not just a tale of survival, this memoir is a powerful reminder to always look out for the most vulnerable around you, give voice to the voiceless, and inspire the courage to act in ourselves and others.” – Krishan Trotman, Publisher of Legacy Lit.
“I wrote this book because 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.” – Reshona Landfair.
Reshona Landfair was the face of 4 The Cause, a four-person musical group signed to RCA/BMG from 1994-2000. More recently, Reshona has worked in community health within the Chicago public school system and is the founder of Project Refine, a mentor program for young women.
The book is scheduled for publication on February 03, 2026, in hardcover, e-book, and audio editions. Legacy Lit Publisher, Krishan Trotman, acquired World English, First Serial, and Audio rights from Liz Nealon of Great Dog Literary.
About Legacy Lit:
Legacy Lit is an imprint dedicated to giving voice to issues, authors, and all groups that have been underrepresented, under-served, and overlooked. Our mission is to inspire social change and to elevate and celebrate diverse communities. We are unapologetically intentional and committed to promoting equality and equity for all people. Our books uplift and celebrate diverse communities using fresh narratives, powerful storytelling, and big ideas that will educate, enlighten, and inspire.
About Grand Central Publishing:
Grand Central Publishing reaches a diverse audience through books that cater to every kind of reader. Its imprints are Balance, Cardinal, Da Capo, Forever, Grand Central, and Legacy Lit. Grand Central Publishing is one of three divisions of the Grand Central Publishing Group, which also includes Hachette Nashville and Union Square & Co.
About Hachette Book Group:
Hachette Book Group (HBG) is a leading U.S. general-interest book publisher made up of dozens of esteemed imprints within the publishing groups Basic Books Group, Grand Central Publishing Group, Hachette Audio, Little, Brown and Company, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Orbit and Workman Running Press Group. We also provide custom distribution, fulfillment, and sales services to other publishing companies.
Our books and authors have received the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, Booker Prize, Nobel Peace Prize and other major honors.
We are committed to diversity in our company and our publishing programs, and to fostering a culture of inclusion for all our employees and authors. We are proud to be part of Hachette Livre, the world’s third-largest trade and educational publisher.
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PUBLICITY CONTACTS:
Megan Perritt-Jacobson | megan.perritt-jacobson@hbgusa.com | 646-341-0401
Estefania Acquaviva | estefania.acquaviva@hbgusa.com | 305-606-4646