R. Kelly’s Abuse Detailed in New Memoir

Leshona Landfair, a 41-year-old mother and author, has come forward to share her experiences of abuse by singer R. Kelly, referring to his sexual behavior as his “weapon of choice.” In her new memoir, “Who Was Watching Shorty: Reclaiming Myself From the Shame of R. Kelly’s Abuse”, she draws on her experiences as a 14-year-old girl in a now-released graphic video showing R. Kelly urinating on her.

Despite being acquitted of charges related to the video in 2008, Kelly is currently facing 20- and 30-year sentences for racketeering and sex crimes in a federal facility in North Carolina. A representative for Kelly did not provide any comments when approached.

Previously, his lawyer claimed that Landfair was exploited in her youth by those seeking to damage Kelly’s public image, stating she “did not deserve” what happened to her. Landfair responded, expressing that although the singer received widespread attention for his misconduct, her mental and emotional suffering was overlooked.

“It felt like everyone was watching,” she noted, “But no one saw the bigger picture of what was really going on.” In her memoir, Landfair describes how Kelly used manipulative tactics to control her, presenting herself as a submissive partner at just 13 years old.

“Robert used sex as a weapon of control,” she remarks, stating that he confidently introduced her to phone sex while reassuring her that it was entirely natural. This introduction deeply affected her perception of relationships and personal boundaries.

Landfair recounts that she first connected with Kelly through her famous aunt and was subject to strict rules dictated by him, such as not interacting with other men and maintaining a certain image. On occasions when she resisted his demands, Kelly would allegedly threaten her by saying he could easily find someone else.

“It was terrifying to be forced to see someone else’s naked body that I had refused,” Landfair explains, remembering how these encounters often took place in Kelly’s recording studio, where she felt trapped and hidden.

Kelly reportedly filmed many of their encounters, convincing her it was for her benefit, using these tapes as leverage to ensure her silence. The fear of exposure kept her from disclosing the relationship to anyone, including her family, for many years.

Though their relationship was fraught with fear, Landfair recalls moments of kindness from Kelly, such as gifts and trips. “There were good times and there were bad times,” she reflected, acknowledging the complexity of her experiences.

Now an advocate for survivors of abuse, Landfair cautions others against mistaking material gifts for genuine affection. She states, “I gave Robert everything I had. He gave me my crumbs, and every crumb came with a receipt.”