Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing’ includes interviews with former members of Piper Rockelle’s internet group, known as the Squad. Among those who came forward was Sawyer Sharbino, who spent about a year creating content with Piper. He shared important insights into his time in the group, speaking candidly about the alleged mistreatment he witnessed at the house and the aspects of the environment he found troubling or inappropriate. Sawyer also reflected on the personal lessons he took from the experience and discussed how he has moved on since parting ways with the group.
Sawyer Sharbino Alleged He Was Made to Film Content He Didn’t Enjoy
Sawyer Sharbino discovered his passion for content creation back in 2015 when he launched his YouTube channel and began uploading a variety of videos. His content quickly gained traction, helping him build a solid early following. While living in Los Angeles, California, he received a message from fellow kid influencer Piper Rockelle, inviting him to collaborate. At around 14 years old, Sawyer joined her group in February 2020 and became a regular presence on her channel. Together, they produced prank videos and acted out fictional storylines. A central theme of the channel involved crushes and romantic pairings among the group members—something Sawyer also participated in during his time with the Squad.
Sawyer said that he spent a large amount of time at the house where Piper Rockelle’s videos were filmed. It was a space that was often shared by other young collaborators and their parents, who stayed there temporarily. He alleged that the creative direction of the content was tightly controlled by Piper’s mother, Tiffany Smith, and her boyfriend, Hunter Hill. He further claimed that Tiffany pressured him into doing things he was uncomfortable with, including appearing in thumbnails and scenes that required him to show more skin or act more maturely than he felt was appropriate. Although his mother, Angela Sharbino, was present during this time, Sawyer alleged that he was often separated from her and subjected to a hectic filming schedule.
He spoke out about the long hours, lack of time for studying, and what he saw as a clear disregard for child labor laws. He also alleged that he had witnessed Tiffany frequently losing her temper. Ultimately, Sawyer said he chose to leave the group in early 2021 after realizing that the experience was no longer enjoyable or healthy for him. Following his departure, he claimed that his own YouTube channel saw a steep drop in engagement, which he alleged was the result of Tiffany’s intentional targeting. In response to these events, his mother joined ten other parents in filing a lawsuit against Tiffany Smith in 2022. That lawsuit was eventually settled in October 2024.
Sawyer Sharbino is Still Shining as a Digital Creator Today
Sawyer Sharbino has continued to thrive as a digital content creator, building a strong presence across major platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok. With an impressive 1.2 million followers on Instagram alone, he has successfully curated content that resonates with his young audience. His videos often feature his close circle of friends and his sisters, Saxon and Brighton Sharbino, adding a fun and relatable family dynamic to his content. His videos span a variety of themes, including reaction videos, trending topics, and engaging challenges. He’s known for capturing genuine emotional responses, funny moments, and “got caught” reactions that keep viewers entertained. His content also dives into themes like teen drama, dating, “true love” scenarios, and lifestyle vlogs, offering fans a peek into his daily life and relationships.
Being in front of the camera comes naturally to Sawyer, a skill that has not only fueled his success as a content creator but also opened doors in the world of acting. After starting out with small and uncredited roles around 2016 and 2017, he gradually began landing more visible appearances. His TV credits include roles in series such as ‘Sisters,’ ‘Stage Fright,’ and ‘Piper Rockelle,’ showcasing his versatility as a young performer. His most recent acting role came in 2022 when he appeared in ‘The Underbed.’ Beyond acting, he has also explored the creative side of production. He has written and directed a few episodes of a self-titled series, ‘Sawyer Sharbino,’ demonstrating that he’s not just a face on screen but a young man of many talents.
Sawyer Sharbino Has Been Widely Recognized as a Successful Musician
Sawyer Sharbino has also made a name for himself in the music industry, steadily building a discography that reflects both his growth as an artist and his evolving sound. He debuted as a singer in 2021 with the release of his first single, “Put You First,” which set the tone for his style—emotive, catchy, and youth-centric. Since then, he’s followed up with several singles, including “Personal,” “Best Friend,” and “Tryna See You,” all of which were well-received by his fanbase. In 2023, he dropped his debut album “Manipulate,” followed by his 2024 release “AURA,” solidifying his place in the pop/alt-pop scene. His single “330” from AURA notably climbed the charts in 2024, marking a major milestone in his music career. Most recently, his track “That’s on Everything” has been gaining momentum online.
Sawyer has also brought his music to the stage, performing live for enthusiastic crowds. One of his standout moments in 2024 was a performance at Whisky a Go Go in New York City. Sawyer Sharbino is deeply committed to his craft—not just creatively but physically as well. Understanding the demands of a camera-facing profession, he follows a disciplined fitness routine and is known for hitting the gym religiously. Whether it’s filming content, performing on stage, or walking the red carpet, he always shows up polished, prepared, and full of energy.
Over the years, major publications like LA Weekly, Teen Vibes, and IndiKids & Teens Industry Magazine have recognized his growing influence in the entertainment and digital spheres. In a world where fame can often come with pressure, the 19-year-old has stayed focused, emotionally grounded, and continuously evolving. With his multifaceted talents and resilient spirit, he’s not just a young star to watch—he’s already shining bright.
Read More: Corrine Joy Areeco: Where is Piper Rockelle Squad’s Ex-Member Now?
