Piper Rockelle Addresses Netflix Documentary ‘Bad Influence’
Teen influencer Piper Rockelle has finally spoken out about Netflix’s documentary series Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, which delves into allegations of abuse and misconduct by her mother, Tiffany Smith. The three-part series, released on April 8, 2025, has sparked widespread conversation about the pressures and darker aspects of child influencer culture.
Background: Allegations Against Tiffany Smith
The controversy surrounding the documentary stems from a 2022 lawsuit filed by 11 former members of Piper’s influencer group, known as the ‘Squad.’ The lawsuit accused Tiffany Smith of creating an abusive environment, citing emotional, verbal, physical, and even sexual abuse. The case was settled in October 2024 for $1.85 million, with all parties disclaiming liability. Despite the settlement, the allegations have continued to cast a shadow over the Rockelle family.
Piper Rockelle’s Reaction
In an interview with Rolling Stone published on May 1, 2025, Rockelle, now 17, shared her thoughts on the documentary. Although she has not watched it in full, she admitted that clips from the series have frequently appeared on her TikTok “For You Page.” Rockelle described the documentary as “extending the truth,” acknowledging that while some claims might be based on real events, they do not fully align with her own experiences.
“I was there. I witnessed every day,” Rockelle said. “I think that they believe what they are saying, but I was there and I saw everything.” She added that the portrayal in the documentary does not reflect the complete reality of her life or her relationship with her mother.
The Impact on Rockelle
Rockelle revealed that the release of the documentary and the ensuing public scrutiny have taken a toll on her mental health. “I just completely fell apart,” she admitted in the interview. “I did not think I was going to get through it.” She also shared that she experienced “awful thoughts” but refrained from discussing them with her mother, as she felt her mother was already under immense pressure.
Despite the challenges, Rockelle remains protective of her mother, who has been a central figure in her life. “My father was never in my life, so it’s always just been her,” she explained. Rockelle also expressed concern about the potential legal and social consequences her mother might face as a result of the documentary.
Tiffany Smith’s Statement
In response to the documentary, Tiffany Smith issued a statement to People on April 8, 2025. She described the experience as “the most upsetting and difficult experience of my life” and criticized Netflix for perpetuating what she called a “knowingly false narrative.” Smith expressed hope that her daughter would one day seek justice and ensure that the truth is shared.
Life After ‘Bad Influence’
Despite the controversy, Rockelle has no plans to step away from social media. With 6 million followers on Instagram and 15.6 million on TikTok, she remains committed to her career as an influencer. “I can’t make it look like it’s affecting me,” she said. “Social media is about entertaining people, and I want to entertain them and make them happy.” Rockelle added that she is determined to overcome the challenges and move forward.
Former Squad Members Speak Out
The documentary features interviews with several former Squad members and their families, who shared their experiences working with Smith. Among them are Sophie Fergi and Claire RockSmith, who were part of the 2022 lawsuit. Both have spoken publicly about their decision to participate in the documentary, emphasizing their desire to prevent similar experiences for others.
According to the documentary’s co-directors, Jenna Kosher and Kief Davidson, the process of getting participants to share their stories was lengthy and sensitive. “It was a lot of listening and a lot of allowing them to guide the ship,” Kosher explained in an interview with Cosmopolitan UK.
The Broader Conversation
Bad Influence has reignited discussions about the ethics of child influencer culture and the responsibilities of parents and managers in such environments. The series has been a top performer on Netflix since its release, drawing attention to the darker side of social media stardom.
As the conversation continues, Rockelle has hinted at her desire to share her own story. In an Instagram post on April 21, she wrote, “Can’t wait to tell my own story and not have other people tell it for me.”
Source: Rolling Stone, People, Cosmopolitan UK