Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing’ delves deep into the troubling allegations surrounding Tiffany Smith, the mother of popular internet celebrity Piper Rockelle. Over the course of its three-episode docuseries, it featured Patience Rock Smith, Tiffany’s sister, who gave her perspective on the entire situation and shared how she processed the events. Additionally, Patience’s wife, Ashley Rock Smith, spoke candidly about her own relationship with Tiffany and how being in such close proximity to the alleged incidents affected both her personal life and her family’s well-being.
Patience Rock Smith Reconnected With Her Sister Upon Her Wife’s Insistence
Patience Rock Smith shared that she had long felt her sister, Tiffany Smith, pushed Piper Rockelle into the spotlight in an attempt to live out her own unfulfilled dreams of becoming a model and a star. While Tiffany has denied this claim, Patience spoke about the complex dynamics of their childhood. She recalled that they grew up in a fairly unstable environment and how their parents frequently separated and reconciled. Eventually, the family moved from Long Island, New York, to Canton, Georgia, when the sisters were still quite young. She revealed that by the time she was around 17 years old, she began to distance herself from Tiffany, largely due to what she described as her sister’s volatile temper and unpredictable mood swings.
The two sisters had little to no contact after Patience moved out of the family home. However, during a visit when Piper was around nine years old, tensions flared, and the sisters ended up in a serious argument. Patience expressed concern over the girl’s education and said that she felt it was being neglected and that she was unhappy with the way homeschooling was being handled. It wasn’t until Patience married Ashley Rock Smith that efforts were made to mend the relationship. Ashley, who already had two daughters of her own—7-year-old Claire and 4-year-old Reese—saw the potential for the children to bond, as they were close in age to Piper. Wanting to create a sense of family unity, she often encouraged her wife to reconnect with Tiffany, arranging visits and helping initiate plans to bring the sisters closer again.
Patience and Ashley Cut Ties With Tiffany Upon Hearing Their Daughters’ Allegations
Claire Rock Smith, inspired by her cousin Piper Rockelle, was also drawn to the idea of being on YouTube and eventually launched a channel of her own. In 2020, the couple decided to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada, to be closer to Los Angeles, California, where Piper and Tiffany Smith were living. This move made it easier for the families to spend time together, and Patience would often take the girls to visit Piper’s home. It was during these visits that Claire got the opportunity to be involved with the Squad. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the four of them spent extended periods of time at the LA house.
Sometimes, Patience would take the girls on her own while Ashley stayed behind for work. However, the latter began to grow concerned about the impact this lifestyle was having on her children’s education. The intense filming schedules often left Claire exhausted, and eventually, the children started voicing concerns and making allegations about their experiences. The two sisters eventually told their parents that they didn’t feel they were being treated properly by Tiffany. They recalled several instances where they were allegedly yelled at, which left them feeling uncomfortable and upset.
These experiences raised serious concerns for Patience and Ashley. By June 2021, the former made the decision to sever all ties with her sister and joined a lawsuit that was being initiated by other parents whose children were also part of the Squad. The lawsuit included a range of serious allegations, including emotional, physical, and mental abuse. Additionally, Patience and Ashley accused Tiffany of sexual battery, stating that while their own daughters had not been molested, they found certain behaviors by the self-described “momager” to be inappropriate and deeply troubling.
Patience and Ashley Desire to Advocate for Improved Child Labor Laws
Although the lawsuit was settled in October 2024, Patience and Ashley Rock Smith remain dedicated to speaking out about Tiffany Smith and her alleged behavior. They’ve emphasized that their mission goes beyond personal grievances and they hope to shed light on the broader issue of child labor laws, particularly as they pertain to kids working as influencers. Their goal, they say, is to keep the conversation alive and contribute to it in a meaningful and constructive way. According to reports, the couple was operating a hemp business back in 2020, though it remains unclear whether the business is still active today.
Patience and Ashley Are Prioritizing the Well-Being of Their Family Today
Patience Rock Smith is a fascia metaphysical healer by profession—a specialized wellness practitioner who focuses on the connection between the body’s fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs) and emotional, spiritual, or energetic well-being. She began her journey in the wellness field in 2011 after earning her NASM Certified Personal Trainer Certificate and has since continued to expand her skill set. Today, she offers In-Home Fascia Stretch Therapy primarily for seniors and active adults aged 55 and above, bringing her personal experiences and holistic approach to support her clients’ mobility, flexibility, and overall well-being.
In March 2023, she founded Experience Fascia Release Master at Stretch Mode. In addition to her core offerings, she holds certifications in CPR/AED and is a certified Behavior Change Specialist, helping clients make lasting lifestyle changes. Since June 2022, she has also worked as a Fitness and Wellness Consultant for Vegan Fitness Freak, where she continues to support individuals on their health journeys through a combination of physical training, wellness guidance, and emotional support. Her work has given a lot of stability to her family’s life in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Patience and Ashley got married on October 12, 2016, and celebrated their union with a beautiful beach wedding in Navarre Beach, Florida. Their love for each other remains unwavering, and not a day goes by without them feeling gratitude for the bond they share. Their two daughters, Claire and Reese, are the center of their world, and the family has remained strong through every high and low. Ashley, an artist by profession, plays a deeply nurturing role in their lives—not just as a partner but also as a friend and confidante to both Patience and the girls. Together, the couple is active within their community, regularly advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and participating in women’s marches and other social justice efforts. Proud animal lovers, they share their home with beloved pets and embrace every part of their life with gratitude and love.
Read More: Sawyer Sharbino: Where is Piper Rockelle Squad’s Ex-Member Now?
