Tiffany Smith, the mother of 15-year-old YouTube and TikTok sensation Piper Rockelle, is being sued for nearly $22 million by 11 of her daughter’s friends due to allegations of harassment, molestation, and abuse. The plaintiffs worked with Piper and Smith as part of the ‘Piper Squad’ between 2017 and 2020.
All 11 teenagers are suing Smith for around $2 million, totaling $22 million. They’re alleging ‘emotional, verbal, physical, and at times, sexual abuse’ that included inappropriate touching and sexual comments made towards the teenagers – some of which are fairly disturbing.
The Mother of YouTube sensation Piper Rockelle has been hit with a $22 million lawsuit from 11 children alleging sexual assault, harassment and physical and emotional abuse.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 17, 2023
Tiffany Smith allegedly participated in shockingly inappropriate behaviour including sending her 15 year… pic.twitter.com/nb42XDuesT
According to the lawsuit, Smith would encourage sexual behavior between the teenagers. It’s alleged that Smith would put her finger up their backsides as they walked by her, she would reportedly force them to make out with her to teach them how to kiss, show them porn, and would allegedly mail Piper’s “soiled training bras and panties to an unknown individual.”
Additionally, the plaintiffs are claiming that Tiffany Smith “actively sought to sabotage Plaintiffs by driving down viewers and subscribers on their individual YouTube channels” if they didn’t comply with her way of doing things. They were also never paid, though it’s unclear if they were ever promised payment.
Ashley Anne-Rock Smith, Piper’s aunt and the mother to two of the plaintiffs, recently spoke to NBC News about the lawsuit and holding Tiffany accountable for her actions. “I just want peace back with my kids,” she said – adding that she wants “all predators who hurt young kids to be brought to justice.”
She went on to share she hopes they can “move the needle on these platforms that are allowing this.” Ashley is referring to the fact that YouTube doesn’t have a set of standards or rules set in place for those that use the platform – despite television and movie sets having strict rules in place for children and minors.
“We all love YouTube and it’s a great place, but when somebody is using it as a business and pulling other children in, those people should have to uphold a certain standard,” said Steevy Areeco, yet another mother who’s making her concerns known. “We want there to be protections for the children.”
Tiffany Smith Facing 10 Causes of Action in the Lawsuit
Taking a look at the lawsuit, Tiffany Smith is facing a total of 10 causes of action brought forth by the plaintiffs – which include Sawyer Sharbino, Donald Dougher, Ayden Mekus, Connor Cain, Hayden Haas, Walker Bryant, Sophia Fergi, Corinne Joy, Symonne Harrison, Claire Rocksmith, and Reese Rocksmith.
The causes of action include violations of common law right of publicity, unjust enrichment, intentional interference with contractual relations, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, civil conspiracy, sexual battery, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and much more.
“This lawsuit seeks to remedy the egregious conduct of Piper’s handlers,” said attorney Matthew Sarelson. “YouTube has created an enormous opportunity to create wealth, but there’s always going to be people gaming the system to harm competitors. Our clients are just kids. They’re good kids with big futures. A part of their childhood, a part of their innocence, has been stolen.”
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Tiffany Smith is due in court for a trial that began on Monday, April 17 – the lawsuit was filed in January 2022. Neither Tiffany or her daughter, Piper Rockelle, have commented on the lawsuit. Stay tuned for more information about the lawsuit.