Haliey Welch, widely known as the "Hawk Tuah Girl," became an internet sensation in mid-2024 after a spontaneous and humorous street interview went viral. Her candid response, which included the now-famous phrase "hawk tuah," quickly spread across social media platforms, leading to widespread recognition. This sudden fame opened doors to various opportunities, including ventures into cryptocurrency and entertainment.
The Rise and Fall of the $HAWK Crypto Coin
In December 2024, Welch ventured into the cryptocurrency world by promoting a meme coin named $HAWK on the Solana blockchain. The coin experienced a meteoric rise, reaching a market capitalization of nearly $500 million. However, this success was short-lived, as the coin's value plummeted by over 90% within minutes, leading to significant financial losses for investors .
The abrupt collapse of the $HAWK coin led to legal repercussions. A group of 16 investors filed a lawsuit, alleging that the coin was sold as an unregistered security and that they collectively lost approximately $151,000. The plaintiffs aimed to prove that the $HAWK token met the criteria of the Howey Test, which determines whether a transaction qualifies as an investment contract .
Legal Challenges and SEC Investigation
While Welch promoted the coin, she was not directly implicated in its creation. She cooperated with the investigation, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eventually dropped its probe into her involvement, stating that no charges or monetary sanctions would be pursued .
Welch expressed remorse over the incident, stating, "I take this situation extremely seriously" and pledged to assist those affected by the coin's collapse .
Career Resurgence: Podcast Relaunch and Acting Debut
After a brief hiatus from the public eye, Welch made a notable comeback. She announced the relaunch of her podcast, "Talk Tuah," which originally aired through Jake Paul's sports betting company, Betr. The show, which debuted at number three on Spotify's podcast chart, featured notable guests like Whitney Cummings, JoJo Siwa, Mark Cuban, and Jake Paul. The relaunch is eagerly anticipated by fans, although the new guest lineup has not yet been announced .
In addition to her podcast, Welch is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming TV series "Chad Powers," starring Glen Powell. This role marks a significant step in her transition from internet personality to mainstream entertainment .
Upcoming Documentary: A Glimpse into Welch's Journey
Welch's journey from viral fame to facing legal challenges and making a successful return to the entertainment industry is set to be chronicled in an upcoming documentary produced by Emmy-winning Bungalow Media + Entertainment. The film aims to explore her rapid rise from anonymity to internet fame, the scrutiny she faced, and the role of social media in her journey .
Haliey Welch's story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of modern fame. From a spontaneous street interview to becoming a viral sensation, facing legal challenges, and making a successful return to the entertainment industry, her journey highlights the opportunities and pitfalls that come with sudden internet stardom. As she continues to evolve her career, Welch remains a figure of resilience and adaptability in the digital age.
