Piper Rockelle, the internet sensation who captivated audiences as a child star, is speaking candidly about the legal battle surrounding her mother. In a February episode of IMPACT x Nightline, the 18-year-old reflected on the 2022 lawsuit filed against her mom, Tiffany Smith, by former members of "The Squad." These allegations of abusive treatment made headlines and were a turning point for Rockelle and her family.
The lawsuit was initiated by 11 former teens who were part of "The Squad," a group led by Smith that created content in the 2010s. They accused Smith of misconduct, including inappropriate comments and failure to compensate them for their work. Despite the serious nature of these claims, Smith has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2024, she settled the lawsuit for $1.85 million without admitting liability.
"A lot of people think that this whole entire thing would definitely bring us further apart," Rockelle shared. "But this whole entire thing has just made me closer to her."
Despite the public scrutiny and legal challenges, Rockelle remains steadfast in her support of her mother. She insists that the ordeal has strengthened their bond rather than weakened it. Her aunt, Destinee Smith, weighed in during the interview, emphasizing that Piper seeks her mom’s advice but ultimately makes her own decisions.
In 2023, Piper Rockelle surprised many by launching an OnlyFans account, a platform known for its adult content. This career move was both lucrative and controversial, with Rockelle reportedly earning nearly $3 million on her first day. Yet, the decision faced backlash as critics pointed out her influence on a young audience.
Addressing these criticisms, Rockelle explained her perspective in a Rolling Stone interview, acknowledging her shifting life paths. She recognized the challenges some fans face watching her transition from child star to adult content creator but expressed confidence in her choices.
In January, she told PEOPLE that while her young fans dream of joining her OnlyFans collective, it's simply a reflection of today's world. "I thrive off of the hate," she said, acknowledging that controversy has played a role in her continued relevance in the digital space.