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Piper Rockelle in 2025: A Controversial Influencer's Journey
Netflix's documentary, "Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing," thrust 17-year-old Piper Rockelle into the spotlight, sparking crucial conversations about child influencers and their protection. This article explores her meteoric rise, the controversial lawsuit against her mother, and Piper's current status in 2025.
From Georgia Girl to Internet Sensation
Piper Raquel Smith's journey began in Canton, Georgia. A natural performer from a young age, she won her first pageant at three. Her mother, Tiffany Smith, recognized her potential and became her "momager," creating social media accounts, starting with Musical.ly (now TikTok). This early exposure, coupled with appearances on shows like Lifetime's "Dance Moms" and her own music career, propelled her to internet stardom by age 10. Her rapid ascent predates legal protections for child creators, foreshadowing the controversies that would follow.
The Squad and the Lawsuit
Piper's success was amplified by "The Squad," a group of young influencers collaborating on her channel. However, Netflix's documentary alleges toxic conditions, including long workdays, inappropriate content, and abuse. In 2022, eleven former Squad members sued Tiffany Smith and her partner, Hunter Hill, for millions, claiming physical, mental, verbal, and sexual abuse. Piper wasn’t named in the suit, but many believe she was also a victim of her mother’s control. The lawsuit settled for $1.85 million in 2024, prompting an ongoing FBI investigation and leading to new California laws protecting child influencers.
Piper's Current Online Presence
Despite the controversy, Piper Rockelle maintains a significant online presence in 2025, boasting millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. She's launched profiles on Chirp and BrandArmy, offering exclusive content to subscribers. While some brands severed ties after the lawsuit, new collaborations have emerged, highlighting her continued marketability. Her recent YouTube livestream and TikTok hinting at sharing her "side of the story" suggest a continued online presence and a future where she addresses the allegations against her mother directly.
The Impact of the Netflix Documentary
“Bad Influence” details Tiffany Smith's alleged manipulation of her daughter's fame and the disturbing practices within the Squad. The documentary, featuring interviews with former Squad members but not Piper or her mother, raises serious questions about the lack of regulation in the child influencer industry and the need for stronger protections.
Conclusion
Piper Rockelle's story is a complex one, highlighting the allure and peril of early internet fame. The Netflix documentary has sparked vital discussions about protecting child content creators. As she approaches adulthood, Piper's future actions and statements will likely shape the ongoing debate surrounding the well-being of young influencers in the digital age. Watch "Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing" on Netflix to learn more.
