Introduction

In an unexpected twist after a year of viral fame and business ventures, Haliey Welch, famously known as the "Hawk Tuah Girl," is embroiled in controversy following the ill-fated launch of the memecoin $HAWK. This development has transformed her life from social media sensation to a figure at the center of a legal storm.

The Launch of $HAWK

On December 4, Welch excitedly announced the launch of $HAWK, a cryptocurrency designed to capitalize on her viral fame. However, just two weeks later, a group of investors — who collectively lost a staggering $151,000 — took legal action against the memecoin's promoters. They claim securities were sold unlawfully and that these securities were not registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Welch's Commitment

Welch broke her silence on the issue via a post on X, formerly Twitter, asserting her commitment to assisting the legal representatives of those affected by the crash. “I am fully cooperating and want to help uncover the truth,” she stated, acknowledging the complications surrounding the project.

Haliey Welch: From Internet Fame to Legal Drama

Haliey Welch burst into the spotlight this past June after a TikTok interaction with content creator DeArius Marlow, during which she coined the infectious phrase "hawk tuah." Her response — a playful remark about an intimate bedroom maneuver — rapidly caught fire online, racking up over 9.7 million views and spawning a myriad of remixes and references across social media platforms.

Since her rise, Welch has made significant strides, including trademarking the phrase "hawk tuah," leaving her traditional job to focus on her brand, and even pitching at a New York Mets game. Additionally, she launched a podcast named "Talk Tuah" and an AI-powered dating app, "Pookie Tools," showcasing her ambition to diversify her career.

The Roller Coaster Ride of $HAWK

Memecoins, including $HAWK, are volatile cryptocurrencies inspired by internet memes. Though they can promise lucrative returns when a particular meme garners attention, their speculative nature renders them highly risky. The market for these coins saw a surge following endorsements from celebrities like Elon Musk, transforming social media jokes into potential investment opportunities.

But just days after the $HAWK launch, the coin experienced a meteoric rise in value, followed by a swift and dramatic collapse. Investors now claim significant financial losses, leading to the lawsuit naming the Tuah the Moon Foundation, the crypto team OverHere, and influencer Alex Larson Schultz — who had promoted $HAWK. Notably, Haliey Welch's name does not appear in the lawsuit, raising questions about her level of involvement.

Reports from insiders suggest she may have received a substantial sponsorship fee for her involvement without having a hand in the token's creation or management. Some speculate that the dramatic collapse was a result of a “rug pull,” a notorious scam where developers abandon a project after drawing in investors.

Welch's Response Amid Criticism

The fallout from the $HAWK saga has not been smooth. During a December 5 live stream event on X, viewers criticized Welch and her partners extensively. An awkward moment during the stream went viral as she abruptly interrupted, signaling a desire to conclude the discussion rather than confront the scrutiny directly.

Amid the upheaval, Welch took to social media again on December 20, vowing to address the situation candidly. “I take this situation extremely seriously,” she wrote, directly appealing to her fans and affected investors. She once again emphasized her willingness to cooperate with legal teams and support the pursuit of accountability.

Conclusion

In a dramatic turn of events, this initial bright star of social media now faces a crossroads that could redefine her career. As the saga unfolds, viewers can’t help but wonder: Is Welch a victim of circumstance, or could her rise and fall mirror the unpredictable world of memecoins? Those affected by $HAWK are urged to seek legal counsel, and many are waiting anxiously for answers. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story!