Former Members of Piper Rockelle’s Squad Speak Out in Netflix’s Bad Influence

Former Members of Piper Rockelle’s Squad Speak Out in Netflix’s Bad Influence

At 17 years old, Piper Rockelle is a name most of the internet-savvy teen audience knows. Known for her vibrant and seemingly fun-packed social media presence, Piper rocketed to fame on YouTube by sharing entertaining videos with her “Squad.” However, behind the carefully curated smiles and antics, a much darker reality was unfolding—one that Netflix’s new documentary, Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, is laying bare.

This three-part series explores the highs and harrowing lows of being a kid influencer. Featuring candid interviews with former Squad members, Bad Influence sheds light on the controversial and often abusive environment created by Piper’s mother, Tiffany Smith, during her rise to stardom. These revelations not only expose the hidden realities of kidfluencing but also prompt essential conversations about child labor, online exploitation, and safeguarding young influencers.

What Happened Behind the Scenes of Piper’s Success?

Piper Rockelle’s Squad was initially portrayed as a group of close-knit friends who seemingly had endless fun creating YouTube content. From pranks to music videos, the Squad amassed millions of fans and views, cementing Piper’s place as one of the most recognizable influencers among teens. However, the Netflix series reveals that things were far from picture-perfect behind the scenes.

Tiffany Smith, Piper’s mother and self-proclaimed manager, allegedly pushed the boundaries to create content that would generate more clicks and views—often at the expense of the children involved. One former Squad member recalled being coerced into cruel pranks and stunts, including being ignored by other members on their birthday or participating in unsettling skits involving fake injuries or arrests.

Former Squad member Sophie Fergi remembered how these pranks were often carried out without parental consent. “People weren’t informed that it was a prank, parents weren’t informed that it was a prank,” Sophie said in an interview shown in the documentary.

Perhaps most alarmingly, some children have come forward with allegations of emotional, physical, and even sexual abuse. Tiffany’s inappropriate behavior extended beyond on-set manipulation, with multiple instances of disturbing comments and actions being reported.

A High-Profile Lawsuit Against Tiffany Smith

The abuse allegations took center stage in January 2022, when 11 former Squad members sued Tiffany Smith for $22 million, citing unlawful child labor practices, emotional distress, and harassment. The lawsuit also accused Tiffany of creating a toxic work environment where dissenting opinions or concerns were swiftly shut down—and often retaliated against.

The Netflix documentary highlights the extent to which Tiffany allegedly silenced critics, including banning parents from filming locations and isolating children who attempted to leave the Squad. For many families, what began as an opportunity for their children to gain exposure or develop their talents turned into an experience marred by guilt, manipulation, and trauma.

Although the lawsuit resulted in a $1.85 million settlement in 2024, Tiffany and Piper have vehemently denied the allegations. Tiffany called the claims “ridiculous” and insisted the settlement was only to avoid prolonged litigation. However, former Squad members feel the truth remains widely misunderstood and hope the documentary serves as a platform to share their side of the story.

Pranks, Pressure, and Piper’s Predicament

Bad Influence doesn’t shy away from showcasing just how suffocating the content creation process was for the Squad members. The constant pressure for viral videos led to situations many found demeaning or harmful. For instance:

• Cruel Pranks: Piper’s mother once forced one member to lick a smoothie off the pavement. Another suffered through a staged arrest involving a fake police officer, which left them in tears.
• Toxic Culture: According to interviews, Tiffany created a “cult-like” environment, where stepping out of line would lead to ostracism. “War was waged on you if you left,” said one former member.
• Oversexualization: Piper’s grown-up appearance in skimpy outfits sparked public criticism, including remarks from Grammy-winning artist Pink, who questioned the exploitation of young influencers by their parents.

While these pranks and pressures were often brushed off as harmless fun for engagement, the emotional toll on the Squad tells another story.

Piper Rockelle Today

Despite everything, Piper Rockelle’s online presence remains strong. With over 12 million subscribers on YouTube and millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram, she continues to create content regularly. However, the consequences of the allegations have impacted her career. YouTube demonetized her channel following the lawsuit, cutting off a significant portion of her revenue streams.

At just 17, Piper’s story is both cautionary and tragic. Her continued activity suggests resilience, but critics argue that her circumstances leave much to be resolved. The responsibility of safeguarding young influencers, establishing clear boundaries, and regulating the industry has never been more urgent.

The Bigger Picture: Kidfluencing and Exploitation

The revelations in Bad Influence bring to light troubling issues in the unregulated world of online content creation, where child influencers frequently operate without adequate protections. Unlike traditional child actors, kidfluencers don’t benefit from the same labor laws or contracts that ensure fair treatment.

This murky territory becomes even more dangerous when parents, like Tiffany Smith, manage their children’s careers. Experts featured in the documentary—including internet historians—highlight the necessity of enforcing stricter guidelines and accountability in this space.

What Still Needs to Change?

To prevent future exploitation, there is a growing push to:

• Implement stricter legal protections for kidfluencers.
• Mandate fair compensation and trust funds for child content creators.
• Educate parents on the potential dangers of pursuing a career in online entertainment for their children.

A Story That’s Hard to Ignore

Piper Rockelle’s story, as seen through the lens of Bad Influence, serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of internet fame. Her case has sparked crucial debates on child safety, digital ethics, and the need for systemic regulations around young influencers.

Ultimately, Bad Influence unpacks how social media stardom isn’t just about views, likes, or exposure—it’s about the very real consequences it can have on young lives. For Piper Rockelle and her former Squad members, the lessons learned are already etched into their stories. But for viewers, the documentary is a wake-up call to reshape the future of kidfluencing.