Netflix documentary on 'dark side' of child influencers leaves viewers 'utterly disgusted'

Netflix has got subscribers absolutely gripped with a new docu-series that viewers are saying is 'a whole other level of disturbing.'

The unsettling series, Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, dropped on the streaming service on Wednesday (April 9) and it's already causing quite the stir on social media with its controversial subject matter.

This three-part deep dive focuses on a sensation known as The Squad, who became internet famous for their elaborate pranks and upbeat vlogs. At the heart of this group was Piper Rockelle, who first found fame on the musical.ly app (now TikTok) when she was just nine.

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Now 17, Rockelle had amassed a huge YouTube fanbase by the age of 12 and later assembled a group of young influencers, dubbed the Squad.

While Rockelle was the poster child for this online empire, behind the scenes it was her mother Tiffany Smith who masterminded her rise to stardom, and managed the team of kid influencers, reports .

As the children's popularity soared, some parents of The Squad members began to challenge Smith's methods of directing their children's actions, both in front of the camera and beyond.

In 2022, 11 members of The Squad launched a against the 'momager' and her associate Hunter Hill, claiming they endured "emotional, verbal, physical, and at times, sexual abuse" at the hands of Smith.

Fast forward to 2024, and People Magazine reported that the case had $1.85 million settlement, without Smith conceding any guilt.

Smith has firmly refuted the claims made against her, and she's not alone; her daughter has vehemently supported her mother. Rockelle released a statement to USA Today on April 7, which said: "The allegations against my mother are mean, untrue, and honestly all about money."

She further stated: "My mum did not do any of those things that they said. And I'll stand by my mum to the end."

The controversial new docu-series, which does not include the accused 'momager', features candid interviews with former Squad members and their parents, who go into the specifics of their allegations.

Disgust has been a common reaction among viewers, since the series premiered.

On X, previously known as , one user expressed severe unease, writing: "That Kidfluencing doc on has me sick to my f***** stomach bruh what the f***." (sic)

Another fan pushed others to watch, saying: "[...] You gotta watch Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing. I'm on episode 2 and holy s***. It's a whole other level of disturbing." (sic)

Someone else on social media offered their take, commenting: "I'm watching that Netflix doc The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, and good lord. Those poor kids. Made their parents rich and all it cost them was their childhood and innocence."

An additional viewer recounted: "Another evening and a Netflix documentary leaves me utterly disgusted #Kidfluencing."

A fifth person hinted at the impact of the show, advising others: "Prepare to be incredibly disgusted."

Lastly, echoing the sentiment of many, a sixth advised: "Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing is a must watch."

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing is streaming now on Netflix