Piper Rockelle breaks down saying she feels responsible for her mom not getting more respect

13 February 2026

Photo Credit: Wil R/Star Max/GC Images via Getty Images

Social media star Piper Rockelle recently opened up in a deeply emotional interview, saying she believes it is her fault that her mother, Tiffany Smith, has not received the respect she thinks her family deserves, a moment that reveals just how complicated and heavy the burden of online fame can become when personal life and public scrutiny collide.

Rockelle, who first rose to fame as a child content creator on platforms like YouTube and TikTok where she amassed millions of followers as part of Piper’s Squad, spoke candidly on IMPACT x Nightline about the intense backlash her family has faced over the years and the long shadows cast by controversy. She was visibly emotional as she addressed how the criticism of her mom’s actions much of it tied to legal disputes and a high-profile documentary as personally affected her and her sense of responsibility for her family’s reputation.

At just 18 years old, Rockelle has lived her life largely in the public eye, beginning her journey on social media when she was a young child managed and encouraged by her mother. That meteoric rise helped make her one of the most recognizable influencers of her generation, but it also entangled her family in a whirlwind of controversy that has shadowed almost every chapter of her career. In 2022, her mother was sued by 11 former teen collaborators members of the Piper Squad who alleged mistreatment, including emotional abuse and unfair working conditions while making content. Those allegations eventually resulted in a settlement that made headlines and was later examined in a Netflix docuseries.

During her emotional interview, Rockelle paused to reflect on the intense scrutiny her mother has endured as a result of those legal battles and the portrayal of their family in Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing. She stated through tears that she believed she was partly to blame for why her mother hasn’t been afforded the kind of respect she deserves, a sentiment that underscores how deeply the criticism has impacted her personally. For the young influencer, the backlash hasn’t just been abstract headlines but a persistent pressure on her family and identity that she carries with her every day.

Her remarks drew attention not just for their vulnerability but for the rare candid acknowledgement from someone whose life has been so public since childhood. Rockelle has repeatedly defended her relationship with her mother in past interviews, emphasizing loyalty and love despite the allegations and controversies they’ve faced. In previous discussions she has pushed back against claims made in the docuseries and in other media, telling outlets that the narrative presented by former collaborators and critics doesn’t tell the full story, and that her relationship with her mom remains strong even if it’s been misunderstood.

The dynamic between Rockelle and her mother has been a defining part of her career from the start. Tiffany Smith was instrumental in managing her daughter’s early content creation efforts and helping build the digital empire that brought them fame, but as the business grew, so did the scrutiny. The 2022 lawsuit alleged that the teens who made up the Piper Squad were subjected to long filming hours, inappropriate treatment and lacked compensation. Although the case was settled without admission of liability, its effects rippled across social media and mainstream culture, contributing to a broader conversation about the ethics of child influencing and the responsibilities of parents who act as managers.

Rockelle’s interview felt like both a defense and a confession she continues to stand by her mother publicly while also expressing the emotional toll that the sustained criticism has taken on her. The way she framed her feelings around respect spoke to the complex interplay of family loyalty, public perception and personal guilt. The sense that she attributes blame to herself reveals just how heavy being at the center of widespread controversy can be, particularly for someone who has been in the spotlight since early childhood.

The interview also hinted at the broader challenges that young influencers face as they grow up. Rockelle’s own evolution has been marked by significant milestones and pivots, including recent moves into adult-oriented content creation following her 18th birthday, a decision that generated its own set of discussions online about agency, audience and branding. But her comments about her mother’s lack of respect resonate with a deeper desire to reconcile the past with the person she is becoming, and to find peace amid the competing narratives about her life and choices.

The public response to Rockelle’s emotional statements has been divided, with some expressing empathy for the strain of living a life constantly under scrutiny, and others questioning why she continues to defend her mother despite the controversies. Regardless of where people stand, her willingness to speak openly about her feelings adds a layer of humanity to a saga that has often been dominated by headlines and legal drama.

Ultimately, Piper Rockelle’s tearful admission serves as a glimpse into the psychological weight that public figures especially those who grew up online can carry. The intersection of personal relationships, public image and the sometimes unforgiving court of social media has created a landscape where fame and family are inextricably linked. For Rockelle, acknowledging how deeply these pressures have affected her is not just a moment of vulnerability but a sign of her ongoing effort to navigate a life shaped by millions of strangers’ opinions.