A new three-part Netflix docuseries, “Bad Influence,” premiering this week, delves into the controversies surrounding the family of teen YouTube celebrity Piper Rockelle and the potential pitfalls associated with child vlogging.
The series offers what Netflix’s Tudum describes as an in-depth look at “disturbing stories of alleged exploitation, cult-like manipulation, and abuse” reportedly endured by former collaborators of Rockelle at the hands of her mother and manager, Tiffany Smith.
Piper Rockelle gained significant online fame by producing elaborate pranks, participating in unconventional challenges, and creating romanticized “crush content” featuring a group of young aspiring entertainers known as “The Squad” on her YouTube channel.
Smith, who managed her daughter’s burgeoning career, faced accusations of abuse and exploitation. In January 2022, nearly a dozen teenagers who were regularly featured on Rockelle’s popular YouTube channel filed a lawsuit against Smith, according to a report by NBC News. The legal proceedings concluded in October 2024 with a settlement agreement totaling $1.85 million.
According to Netflix, “Through their stories, (Bad Influence) exposes the dark realities of social media fame and the fight to protect the next generation of creators from exploitation.”
The docuseries aims to shed light on the experiences of these young individuals and raise broader questions about the responsibilities and potential dangers involved in managing child influencers in the rapidly evolving landscape of online content creation.
Who is Tiffany Smith?
Tiffany Smith is the mother and business manager of Piper Rockelle. Along with her boyfriend Hunter Hill, Smith played a crucial role in filming and producing the short-form content that propelled her daughter to fame on YouTube and other social media platforms.
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Tudum reports that as Piper Rockelle’s online presence grew, she amassed millions of followers and substantial revenue, reportedly exceeding $500,000 per month at one point through brand partnerships and various income streams.
Recognizing the potential for broader content creation and engagement, Smith began inviting other aspiring young influencers to collaborate with her daughter on camera. In 2018, she formed “The Squad,” a rotating group of tween friends who regularly appeared in Rockelle’s videos.
The members of “The Squad” would create content together, cross-promote their individual social media accounts, and, in some instances, even moved in with Smith and her daughter. However, concerns eventually arose among the parents of some “Squad” members and within the group itself regarding Smith’s behavior both on and off camera, as detailed by Tudum.
Eleven former members of “The Squad” ultimately filed a lawsuit against Smith, alleging inappropriate behavior that resulted in physical and emotional injuries stemming from “harassment, molestation, and abuse,” according to the NBC News report. Some of the teenagers also claimed they were not adequately compensated for their work, appearances, and the use of their likenesses in Rockelle’s content.
The legal case, which spanned several years, culminated in the $1.85 million settlement agreement reached in October 2024, as reported by NBC News. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it brought an end to the protracted legal battle between Smith and the former young collaborators.
“Bad Influence” is expected to present firsthand accounts from the former “Squad” members, offering their perspectives on their experiences working with Smith and the environment fostered during the creation of Piper Rockelle’s online content. The docuseries will likely explore the power dynamics inherent in such relationships, the pressures of maintaining a successful online persona, and the potential vulnerabilities of young individuals navigating the complexities of internet fame.
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The series also raises critical questions about the oversight and regulation of child influencers and the responsibilities of parents or guardians acting as managers in this burgeoning industry. As more young people gain prominence and generate significant income through online platforms, the need for safeguards and ethical considerations becomes increasingly important. “Bad Influence” could serve as a cautionary tale, prompting discussions about the potential dark side of “kidfluencing” and the importance of protecting young creators from exploitation.
The involvement of Netflix, a major streaming platform with a global reach, ensures that “Bad Influence” will likely garner significant attention and spark widespread conversation about these sensitive issues. The docuseries has the potential to impact how parents, young creators, and the broader public view the world of child vlogging and the responsibilities that come with it. It may also influence future discussions and potential regulations surrounding the management and well-being of child influencers in the digital age.
