Piper Rockelle'S Tearful Confession: "I Feel Responsible For My Family'S Struggles"

Piper Rockelle's Emotional Revelation

Piper Rockelle, the internet sensation who captured hearts since age 8, recently broke down in an emotional interview on IMPACT x Nightline. Addressing the scandal surrounding her mother, Tiffany Smith, she revealed feelings of responsibility for the lack of respect her mother receives. During the interview with Juju Chang, Rockelle shared her struggle with the public fallout from a lawsuit filed by 11 former members of "The Squad," a group of teen content creators managed by her mother.

“It sucks that I have to sit here and, like, talk about this,” Rockelle said through tears. “It’s really agitating. Because, like, I just think about my life as, like, such a good thing.”

The Lawsuit and Its Impact

In 2022, Smith faced serious allegations from "The Squad," who claimed they endured "abusive treatment" and weren't compensated fairly. Despite Smith's denial, the lawsuit was settled for $1.85 million in October 2024, with no admission of liability. The saga even inspired Netflix's 2025 docuseries, "Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing," spotlighting the dark underbelly of child stardom.

Rockelle, visibly shaken, expressed her belief that her entry into the entertainment industry inadvertently impacted her family's reputation. She lamented, "If I never got into the entertainment space, you know, I think that my mother and my family would have a lot more respect."

Piper's Controversial Choices

Beyond her family struggles, Piper Rockelle stirred the pot again by joining OnlyFans upon turning 18. Despite raking in nearly $3 million in her first day, she faced backlash for potentially promoting adult content to her younger followers. In a candid chat with Rolling Stone, she defended her decisions, acknowledging her audience's concerns but asserting her right to forge her own path.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Rockelle admitted, "I thrive off of the hate... I think, without it, I would have become a little bit irrelevant." Her unapologetic stance showcases her resilience amid the storm of criticism and controversy.

Looking Forward

Piper Rockelle remains a polarizing figure, balancing the demands of her career and the shadows of her past. While she navigates the complexities of fame, she continues to engage with her audience, albeit through an unconventional lens. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures young influencers face in the digital age.