Piper Rockelle, once the adorable face of YouTube as a child star, has taken a bold leap into adulthood by launching her own OnlyFans account shortly after turning 18. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Piper delves into her journey, embracing the challenges and criticisms that come with her newfound adult status. "I thrive off of the hate," Piper candidly shares, highlighting how online negativity has kept her relevant in the public eye.
Reflecting on a whirlwind 2025, Piper admits the year was filled with unexpected events that tested her resilience. "It was just a crazy year of people and things and my own issues," she recounts. Despite the hurdles, Piper remains grateful for the experiences that have shaped her, even expressing a willingness to relive them.
Piper's journey hasn't been without controversy. The Netflix docuseries Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing highlighted her rise to fame as part of the "Piper Squad," under her mother Tiffany Smith's management. Additionally, a 2022 lawsuit against Tiffany brought to light allegations of mistreatment, a case settled in 2024.
As 2026 rolled in, Piper made headlines with her lucrative entry into OnlyFans, reportedly earning nearly $3 million on her first day. This move was met with public scrutiny, especially from those who remember her as a young internet sensation. But Piper remains unfazed, stating, "I couldn’t be more happy with the way my life is going right this second."
Turning 18 was a pivotal moment for Piper, who eagerly counted down to her birthday, marking it with a professional photoshoot. Now, with the freedom of adulthood, she engages with her audience through personalized content on OnlyFans, while continuing her presence across other platforms.
Despite the backlash, Piper acknowledges the influence she has on her young audience, many of whom aspire to join her lifestyle. Yet, she brushes off criticism, viewing it as part of the world she inhabits. "I thrive off of the hate," she reiterates, asserting that criticism fuels her longevity in the public eye.
Piper is determined to navigate her path independently, relying on her family for support. Her focus remains on securing a stable future, with dreams of building a home in South Carolina and creating a cat rescue. Despite the challenges, Piper sees OnlyFans as a gateway to new opportunities, rather than a limitation. "For me, this is a complete door-opener and life-changer," she affirms.
Embracing her journey, Piper Rockelle continues to captivate audiences, defying expectations and carving out her own unique space in the digital world.