Netflix’s latest impactful documentary, Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, delves into the complex world of social media through the lens of Piper Rockelle’s Squad. This three-part series, directed by Kief Davidson, chronicles the journey of Tiffany Smith, a single mother who founded a group of young content creators called The Squad to elevate her daughter Piper’s online fame. While the series showcases the growth of these young influencers, it also uncovers the troubling issues that occurred off-camera, highlighting the difficult experiences faced by the group.
Piper Rockelle started her digital journey on YouTube at a tender age. As her fame and revenue began to rise, Tiffany Smith formed a collective of young creators to further amplify her daughter’s reach. Although The Squad’s videos exude a lighthearted and comedic nature, Bad Influence features candid interviews with former members and their families, revealing allegations of physical and emotional abuse associated with Tiffany Smith’s parenting style. This culminated in a lawsuit filed by 11 ex-members in 2022, drawing attention to the darker side of kidfluencing.
17 Piper Rockelle
The Leader Of The Squad
Within the series, we learn that Rockelle’s early career was marked by beauty pageants before she transitioned to producing YouTube content. Tiffany’s determination for Piper to succeed was evident, with her aunt, Ashley RockSmith, recalling that Tiffany believed Piper “was worth something”and aimed to ensure she “was the best.”Although Rockelle opted not to participate in the docuseries, archival interviews suggest her passion for social media grew after using the now-defunct app Musically.
Despite the allegations against her mother, Rockelle has publicly defended Tiffany, labeling the documentary’s portrayal as “untrue.”She remains active on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where she has garnered over 32 million followers. Even after her channel was demonetized in 2022 due to the legal issues surrounding her mother, Rockelle claimed she still enjoys vlogging for the memories it creates.
16 Claire & Reese RockSmith (Left In 2021)
Participated In The Lawsuit Against Smith
Claire and Reese RockSmith, relatives of Piper through marriage, joined The Squad during the COVID-19 pandemic. While initially supported by their parents, they later left due to concerns about Tiffany Smith’s increasingly erratic behavior. Claire described her early fascination with camera work, and her mother Patience believed that The Squad offered their family a chance to reconnect.
In their account on Bad Influence, the RockSmith sisters revealed they faced online harassment post-departure, which they endured during a vulnerable period. They also made serious allegations of sexual abuse against Tiffany, which she firmly denied. Since the documentary’s release, Claire has expressed gratitude for the surge of online support, while she continues to pursue her own projects.
15 Corinne Joy (Left In 2019)
Participated In The Lawsuit Against Smith
Corinne Joy entered Piper’s world as a backup dancer and soon became a close friend, eventually joining The Squad in 2018. While her collaboration with Piper was seen as beneficial, it took a sour turn when Corinne departed a year later due to harassment and uncomfortable situations, including allegations of inappropriate behavior by Tiffany Smith. She candidly shared her struggles with the pressures of maintaining her online presence and the repercussions of leaving.
Today, Joy continues to be a vibrant presence on social media and is currently training to become a professional wrestler, further diversifying her career interests.
14 Sophie Fergi (Left In 2020)
Participated In The Lawsuit Against Smith
Sophie Fergi began her journey in entertainment as a child actress on the web series *Mani*, quickly joining The Squad where she formed close ties with both Piper and Tiffany. However, similar to others, Fergi faced mistreatment, alleging sexual and physical abuse by Tiffany Smith. Her departure from the group was marked by distressing experiences that she shared in the documentary.
Since leaving The Squad, Fergi has shifted focus to her social media platforms, gaining popularity on TikTok and Instagram, and is currently part of the podcast series *Girl Talk*.
13 Sawyer Sharbino (Left In 2021)
Participated In The Lawsuit Against Smith
Having started his YouTube career with pranks and challenges, Sawyer Sharbino caught attention and was invited to join The Squad. During his time with the group, he found himself entangled in an uncomfortable “shipping”dynamic but ultimately left, citing creative frustrations and dissatisfaction with the way content was produced. He also joined the lawsuit against Tiffany Smith, echoing the sentiments of other collaborators regarding their experiences.
Sharbino has since continued to create content across multiple platforms while also pursuing acting opportunities.
12 Symonne Harrison (Left In 2021)
Participated In The Lawsuit Against Smith
One of the key original members, Symonne Harrison joined in 2018 and remained a significant figure until her departure in 2021. Although not present in the docuseries, her experiences with mistreatment, particularly during a staged birthday scene, highlighted the intense atmosphere of The Squad. Harrison later participated in the lawsuit against Smith and has pursued a career in acting and podcasting after her exit from the group.
Her podcast, *The Friendzone*, is centered around navigating relationships and toxic friendships, showcasing her artistic side beyond social media.
11 Ayden Mekus (Left In 2021)
Participated In The Lawsuit Against Smith
Ayden Mekus, known for his roles in short films, joined The Squad in 2020 and quickly rose to popularity. His experiences echoed many ex-members, as he faced manipulation within the group structure. Although not interviewed for Bad Influence, he was noted as part of the lawsuit that addressed the alleged abuses under Smith’s leadership.
Since leaving, Mekus has maintained a consistent presence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, working on his acting career and collaboration with influencer Dhar Mann.
10 Gavin Magnus (Left In 2019)
Did Not Participate In The Lawsuit
Gavin Magnus played a prominent role in the earlier dynamics of The Squad, coupled with Piper Rockelle in content crafted to attract viewers. Magnus left in 2019 due to the pressures and unhealthy environment, and while he didn’t actively participate in the lawsuit, he has spoken out about his experience, grateful for his exit.
Today, Magnus has rekindled his collaboration with Rockelle while focusing on other creative outlets.
9 Donald Dougher (Left In 2021)
Participated In The Lawsuit Against Smith
Donald Dougher, known for his extravagant persona and wealth, gained fame through The Squad, appearing in numerous challenge videos. Like many others, he cited emotional and physical abuse during his tenure, becoming a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Tiffany Smith. After stepping back from the spotlight, Dougher now shares glimpses of his travels on Instagram, indicating a shift in focus.
8 Walker Bryant (Left In 2021)
Participated In The Lawsuit Against Smith
Walker Bryant joined The Squad at 13, becoming involved in its dynamics as a “replacement”for Gavin Magnus. He left after facing public scrutiny due to a controversial prank, which his mother felt necessitated his withdrawal for safety. Walker actively participated in the lawsuit advocating for a healthier environment for young content creators and maintains activity on TikTok and Instagram.
7 Hayden Haas (Left In 2021)
Participated In The Lawsuit Against Smith
Hayden Haas, another young talent, faced similar challenges, trapped in the tumultuous environment of The Squad before his exit. His involvement in the lawsuit highlighted the serious implications of the influencer culture surrounding child creators, where the boundaries of authenticity, friendship, and pressure are often blurred. After leaving, Haas has taken a hiatus from social media but recently endorsed the docuseries, acknowledging its importance.
6 Indi Star (Left In 2020)
Did Not Participate In The Lawsuit
Indi Star, originally part of the KIDZ BOP group, joined The Squad as part of a “shipping”strategy. She left in 2020 and chose not to participate in the lawsuit. Focusing on her music career post-Squad, Indi has released numerous singles and continued to develop her social media channels, showcasing her artistic growth.
5 Jenna Davis (Left In 2022)
Did Not Participate In The Lawsuit
Jenna Davis joined The Squad at the age of 15 and maintained a stable career while contributing to group dynamics through challenges. Though she exited in 2022 on friendly terms, she has since focused on her burgeoning career in acting and music, famously voicing the character M3GAN, further establishing her path in the entertainment industry.
4 Elliana Walmsley (Left In 2023)
Did Not Participate In The Lawsuit
Extensively trained in dance, Elliana joined The Squad in 2020. She has since remained in the public eye, largely due to her ongoing relationship with Jentzen Ramirez. Though noted for challenges she faced in the squad, Walmsley did not join the lawsuit and continues to collaborate creatively in various capacities.
3 Lev Cameron (Left In 2024)
Did Not Participate In The Lawsuit
Lev Cameron, recognized for his dance and acting, joined The Squad in 2020, quickly forming a relationship with Piper Rockelle. Though he departed the group shortly after their breakup in 2024, he has continued to build his career in the entertainment field, remaining on good terms with Rockelle.
2 Jentzen Ramirez (Left In 2023)
Did Not Participate In The Lawsuit
Jentzen joined The Squad in 2019 but faced many personal challenges including pressures from the “shipping” decisions made by Tiffany Smith. After a complicated period following Sophie Fergi’s exit, he started a relationship with Elliana Walmsley. As of 2025, he has chosen to step back from collaborating with Rockelle, focusing on his solo content.
1 Connor Cain (Left In 2021)
Participated In The Lawsuit Against Smith
Connor Cain, having ventured through acting roles before joining The Squad, faced manipulation that turned his experience sour. He left in 2021 amid parental concerns regarding the harmful influence of Tiffany Smith. He is now distancing himself from social media and acting, focusing on personal growth. Each individual’s experience within The Squad reflects diverse struggles contributing to the collective lawsuit against Smith resolved in 2022.
Sources:
YouTube,
NME,
Forbes,
People,
Moviedelic,
National Today,
Cosmopolitan,
TV Insider,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Los Angeles Times,
Genius,
Distractify