'Hawk Tuah Girl' Memecoin Scheme Wipes Out Life Savings
In a matter of months, Haliey Welch, better known as the "Hawk Tuah Girl," went from internet sensation to facing public backlash and lawsuits over her failed cryptocurrency venture. This story dives into her meteoric rise, the controversies surrounding her memecoin, and the ongoing legal fallout.
The Viral Sensation
It all began with a TikTok video in June. Welch, a 22-year-old from Tennessee, delivered a cheeky one-liner in a thick Southern accent when asked what makes men go crazy. As reported by MSN, her comedic response — "You gotta give 'em that hawk tuah and spit on that thang" — catapulted her to fame, amassing millions of views.
The catchphrase took on a life of its own, appearing in memes, imitated by celebrities like Bryce Harper on live television, and even inspiring a Saturday Night Live sketch.
Welch capitalized on her newfound fame, launching a podcast titled "Talk Tuah," selling merchandise, and making appearances at major events. By summer, she was a household name in meme culture for her quirky, relatable persona.
The Launch of Hawk Coin
By December, Welch entered the volatile world of cryptocurrency with the launch of her memecoin, $HAWK. Promoted as a community-building tool, the coin reached a staggering $490 million market cap shortly after launch, only to lose over 95% of its value within hours, as reported by BBC. Investors accused Welch and her team of orchestrating a "pump and dump" scheme, as reported by BBC — a tactic where creators inflate a coin's value before selling their own holdings for profit.
YouTube crypto investigator Coffeezilla criticized the project, suggesting it targeted Welch's fans rather than seasoned crypto traders, many of whom claimed substantial losses. According to BBC, Welch denied these allegations, stating on X (formerly Twitter), "Team hasn't sold one token," and blaming automated trading bots for the crash.
Backlash and Disappearance
The fallout was swift. Welch faced backlash from fans, with accusations of betrayal dominating the comments on her social media. Some users claimed to have lost their life savings, though the scale of losses remains disputed. Adding to the chaos, Welch's partners in the venture, including a figure known as "Doc Hollywood," deleted their online presence, leaving her as the face of the scandal.
Amid the uproar, Welch retreated from the spotlight, ceasing podcast updates and social media activity.
The Legal Storm
A lawsuit filed by 12 plaintiffs alleges that the creators of $HAWK, including Welch's Tuah the Moon Foundation, misrepresented the coin's potential and failed to register it as a security, as reported by the Daily Mail. Legal experts compare Welch's situation to other celebrity crypto cases, such as Kim Kardashian's $1.26 million fine for promoting EthereumMax without disclosure, as reported by BBC.
Welch's legal team insists on her minimal involvement, portraying her as a victim of more experienced operators. Meanwhile, analysts debate whether the $HAWK launch was doomed from the start, given the short-lived nature of meme-driven projects.
The Bigger Picture
Welch's story reflects broader issues in the influencer economy and cryptocurrency space. The combination of rapid fame and unregulated financial ventures often leads to scandals that harm creators and their communities. Her rise and fall offer a cautionary tale about the risks of mixing internet culture with high-stakes financial speculation.
As lawsuits unfold and Welch attempts to rebuild her brand, one question remains: will she manage to turn this controversy into a comeback, or has the "Hawk Tuah" meme run its course?
References: Hawk Tuah Wasn't What It Seemed | Online Star Hawk Tuah Girl Faces Crypto Coin Criticism | Joe Rogan's Blunt View of Hawk Tuah Girl's Failed Meme Coin | How Hawk Tuah Girl turned viral fame into a new life
