In an eye-opening episode of IMPACT x Nightline, co-anchor Juju Chang delves into the captivating world of one of YouTube’s most famous child stars, Piper Rockelle. Recently turning 18, Rockelle made headlines with her bold career move of launching an OnlyFans account. The decision, which saw her rake in over $1 million in the first hour and nearly $3 million in the first day, has sparked widespread conversations about the evolving landscape for child influencers.
“It’s a new chapter for me, and I’m excited to share it with my fans,” Rockelle explains, reflecting on her transition from childhood fame to adult content creation.
The episode doesn’t just focus on her recent endeavor but revisits a significant legal chapter in her life. Back in 2022, former members of Rockelle's online “Squad” filed a lawsuit against her mother and manager, Tiffany Smith. This segment of the episode provides viewers with exclusive access to Rockelle’s daily life, offering a unique glimpse behind the curtain of her OnlyFans content.
Viewers will also hear from Rockelle’s close-knit family, including her grandmother Donna “Mimi” Healy Smith and her aunt Destinee Smith, who share their perspectives on her career choices. Cultural commentators like Sunny Hostin, Kelley Carter, Fortesa Latifi, and Kat Tenbarge weigh in on the broader implications of child influencers navigating the adult digital world.
IMPACT x Nightline’s special episode raises important questions about the morality and ethics surrounding child influencers. As Piper Rockelle’s journey unfolds, the show examines themes of parental control and the limited labor protections available to minors in the digital media sphere. These discussions are crucial as the lines between childhood stardom and adult content creation become increasingly blurred.
Catch this intriguing episode, "Piper Rockelle: Barely Legal," streaming on February 12 on Disney+ and Hulu. It promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and opportunities faced by young digital stars transitioning into adulthood.