The “Hawk Tuah Girl,” Haliey Welch, has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the disastrous launch of her crypto token, $HAWK, which saw its value plummet within hours of debuting. While Welch herself is not named in the ongoing lawsuit against the token’s creators, her involvement in promoting the project has placed her at the center of public scrutiny.
The $HAWK memecoin, which launched on December 4, promised lucrative returns for investors but instead collapsed by 93% in value, dropping from a peak market capitalization of $490 million (£390 million). The fallout was swift, with many accusing the creators of misleading investors and mishandling the launch.
Hawk Tuah Girl, who shot to viral fame earlier this year with her comedic “Hawk Tuah” video reenacting a risqué act, had remained silent as speculation and criticism grew. Now, after weeks of absence, the 22-year-old has broken her silence with a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community. I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted, as well as to help uncover the truth, hold the responsible parties accountable, and resolve this matter.”
Welch’s name and likeness were heavily used to promote the token, drawing criticism even though she is not a defendant in the legal action. During the token’s launch, Welch participated in a late-night X Spaces audio stream, where she denied any wrongdoing, stating that her team “hasn’t sold one token.” However, following the token’s collapse, she went silent, sparking rumors about her disappearance and even unfounded speculation about her death.
The lawsuit against the token’s creators, a group of Cayman Island-based sellers, is being led by Burwick Law. Welch has urged those affected by the coin’s collapse to contact the law firm for assistance. She has also expressed her commitment to helping investors recover their losses and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
The memecoin controversy has been a significant setback for Hawk Tuah Girl, whose rise to internet fame translated into financial success through social media platforms, merchandise, and brand partnerships. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated at $200,000, but the fallout from the $HAWK debacle has undoubtedly tarnished her public image and raised questions about her future prospects.
Welch’s recent statement suggests she is determined to cooperate fully with the legal process and help resolve the situation. However, whether she can rebuild trust with her followers and the broader crypto community remains uncertain. Her return to the spotlight may mark the start of a long and challenging journey to repair her reputation.