Tiffany Smith, the mother of YouTube star Piper Rockelle, settled a lawsuit with 11 young co-creators who accused her of abuse and not compensating them for their work. The lawsuit, which was filed in early 2022, alleged sexual, physical, and emotional abuse by Smith towards the minors who worked on Rockelle’s channel as part of the “Piper Squad”. The details of the settlement were not immediately disclosed, but one of the alleged victims stated that the lawsuit was not about money but about preventing Smith from hurting other kids in the future.
The young content creators accused Smith of making inappropriate sexual comments about their bodies, touching them inappropriately, and engaging in disturbing behavior such as spanking them, trying to spit in a girl’s mouth, and discussing sexual topics with them. Smith was also accused of encouraging the teens to act sexually aggressive during video shoots. Additionally, the lawsuit claimed that the minors were never compensated for the work they did which contributed to the millions of dollars earned by Rockelle and Smith.
Matt Sarelson, the attorney representing the youngsters, commended them for their bravery and intelligence in coming forward about the abuse they suffered. He stated that what they experienced was grotesque and he was looking forward to seeing them thrive as young adults. The mother of one of the teen boys involved in the lawsuit stated that their goal was to hold Smith accountable for her actions and bring awareness to the presence of predators in any field, not just the entertainment industry.
Smith, who had previously referred to herself as the “madam” or “pimp” of YouTube and made comments about creating “kiddie porn”, was also accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior with her daughter, including making out with her to teach her how to kiss. The lawsuit described instances of Smith mailing Rockelle’s soiled training bras and panties to a stranger because “old men like to smell this stuff”. Despite the disturbing allegations, Rockelle and Smith’s response to the settlement was not immediately made public.
The lawsuit and subsequent settlement shed light on the issue of child exploitation in the entertainment industry and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when it involves minors. The victims’ bravery in coming forward and seeking justice serves as a reminder that predators can be found in any field and that it is crucial to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse. The legal consequences faced by Smith and the support received by the young co-creators highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and ethical environment for young individuals working in various industries.
