Overview

• Netflix's new docuseries 'Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing,' now streaming, explores allegations of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse against Tiffany Smith, mother and manager of YouTube star Piper Rockelle.
• The series revisits a 2022 lawsuit filed by 11 former members of 'The Squad,' Rockelle's content group, which resulted in a $1.85 million settlement in 2024, with Smith denying all wrongdoing.
• Former Squad members recount long filming hours, manipulative behavior, and unpaid contributions to content that reportedly generated significant revenue.
• Despite YouTube demonetizing her channel in 2022, Rockelle, now 17, continues to maintain a strong social media presence with millions of followers across platforms.
• The docuseries has reignited discussions about the lack of labor protections for child influencers and the need for regulatory reforms in the digital media landscape.