Tiffany Smith Denies Allegations in 'The Dark Side of Kidfluencing' Amid Lawsuit Settlement

In a recent development, Tiffany Smith, mother of YouTube star Piper Rockelle, has publicly refuted allegations of misconduct brought against her and her daughter in Netflix's docuseries 'Down Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing.' The documentary details accusations from former collaborators of Rockelle, alleging harsh working conditions and undue pressure to create content at unreasonably long hours. Smith claims these allegations stem from disgruntled parents seeking financial compensation after their children reportedly failed to gain as much social media traction. The claims made in the docuseries include accusations of harassment and inadequate compensation for the minors involved in Rockelle's YouTube productions. Smith insists that these allegations are unfounded, stating, 'This entire ordeal—from baseless accusations to legal chaos to a Netflix reality series—has been the most painful chapter of our lives.' She asserts that the investigation by the LA Department of Children and Family Services concluded without finding any wrongdoing on her part. Despite this, in 2024, Smith settled a lawsuit filed by eleven plaintiffs for $1.85 million, leading many to question the validity of her claims of innocence. This controversy highlights the murky ethics surrounding child influencers and the pressures placed on children in the digital space. Smith denounces Netflix for allegedly exploiting her daughter to further a narrative that claims to protect child creators while simultaneously profiting from their content. As the situation unfolds, the implications for both Smith and Rockelle showcase the growing concerns surrounding children in the influencer economy and raise critical ethical questions about parental responsibility in such environments.