Overview

• The Netflix docuseries 'Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing' debuted on April 9, 2025, spotlighting allegations of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse by Tiffany Smith, mother and manager of teen influencer Piper Rockelle.
• The series highlights a 2022 lawsuit filed by 11 former members of Rockelle's 'Squad,' which resulted in a $1.85 million settlement in October 2024 but no criminal charges against Smith.
• Former Squad members describe being pressured into harmful pranks and inappropriate content creation, with accounts of manipulation and cult-like dynamics under Smith's direction.
• The documentary expands the conversation to systemic issues in the child influencer industry, including a lack of labor protections and the exploitation risks tied to monetizing minors' online presence.
• Piper Rockelle, now 17, remains active on social media and has hinted at sharing her perspective when she turns 18, while continuing to be managed by her mother despite the ongoing scrutiny.