A new and trending Netflix documentary series that was recently released, Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Influencing, has gained worldwide attention by diving into the troubling world of child influencers. The three-part series, released on April 9, 2025, focuses on 17-year-old Piper Rockelle, a popular YouTuber known for her vlogs, pranks, and challenges. The documentary reveals disturbing allegations against her own mother and manager, Tiffany Smith.
The Netflix series features testimonies from 11 former members of “The Squad,” a group of young influencers who appeared in Rockelle’s videos, who were also just a part of her friend group at the time. Those members claim they were subjected to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse by Piper’s mother. In 2022, a lawsuit was filed against Tiffany Smith, alleging exploitation and abuse. The case was settled in October 2024 for $1.85 million, with no admission of any wrongdoing . This series has many teenagers invested. EHS sophomore Skyelyn Lever said, “I didn’t realize how deep the show was going to go. It intrigued me as I was watching it. I honestly feel bad for Piper and what she has to go through after hearing what the “squad members” had to say about her and what her childhood was like.” Many social media platforms came out with rumors suggesting that Piper will change and remove herself from the life she is living as soon as she turns 18.
In response to the documentary, Rockelle has publicly defended her mother, stating that while she acknowledges the allegations, she believes they have been overstated and exaggerated. She expressed concerns about the potential impact on her relationship with her mother, who has been her primary caregiver. Freshman Ciara Derderiansaid, “I believe that a different side of Piper will appear when she is 18. I think her mom does force things on her as it is said in the Netflix shows, and it is also very variable in the TikTok and Instagrams she posts.” The internet is intrigued to see what will happen, knowing Piper is about to reach the age of 18 on Aug. 21.
Bad Influence has deep discussions and conversations between everyone involved in her past videos about the responsibilities of parents and managers in the young digital age, especially concerning the welfare of younger content creators. The series serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of fame and the exploitation that can occur behind the camera.
