Piper Rockelle Opens Up About Trust Issues After Growing Up Online

Life in the Spotlight: Piper’s Early Fame

Piper Rockelle, the internet sensation who took YouTube by storm as a mere 8-year-old, is opening up about the challenges of growing up online. In an exclusive sit-down with PEOPLE, Piper reflects on her rise to fame and the impact it has had on her personal life. From a young age, Piper was thrown into the spotlight when her mother, Tiffany Smith, began sharing videos of her on YouTube, quickly amassing a loyal following as part of the popular "Piper Squad."

However, the journey hasn't been without its bumps. In 2022, Piper's media realm was rocked by a lawsuit from 11 teens who claimed mistreatment and lack of compensation by Piper's mother. Although Tiffany Smith denied the allegations, the matter was settled in 2024 for nearly $2 million. The controversy flared up again with Netflix's docuseries "Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing," which delved into these allegations.

Turning 18 and Joining OnlyFans

As Piper celebrated her 18th birthday, she made headlines once more by launching her OnlyFans account, a move that had been widely speculated. Despite anticipating backlash for appealing to a younger audience, Piper embraced the controversy, stating, "I thrive off of the hate." The decision proved financially rewarding, as Piper reportedly earned close to $3 million within the first day of launching her account, and she proudly shared her first purchase – a new car for her grandma.

Piper admits that the decision to join OnlyFans wasn't easy, given the criticism for promoting adult content to her young fans. Yet, she remains unfazed by the negativity. "Honestly, I think hate has kept me around for a long, long, long time," she states.

Trust Issues in the Age of Social Media

Despite her financial success, Piper candidly discusses the challenges of trust in her life. "Each time I do trust someone, it just proves another reason why I shouldn’t," she reveals. Growing up in the digital age has made it hard for Piper to forge genuine relationships, as she worries that her personal interactions might become fodder for social media content.

Piper acknowledges the sacrifices that come with her fame, expressing a sense of acceptance. "This is all I've ever wanted, so I'm not gonna let anyone take it away from me," she declares. Though the pressures of the internet have often made her consider stepping away, Piper stands firm in her resolve to continue her journey in the digital world, saying, "You know how you can't quit an addiction unless you're actually ready? This isn't an addiction, but it is something that has literally made me who I am today."

Piper Rockelle's journey serves as a testament to the complexities and challenges of growing up in the public eye, navigating fame, and the pervasive impact of social media on personal relationships.