Haliey Welch, known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” gained significant attention this summer after a street interview where she shared candid and graphic sex advice. This unexpected virality propelled her into the influencer spotlight, leading her to start a podcast and an animal charity, establishing a unique niche for herself online. Welch’s growing digital presence has not only allowed her to maintain her fame but also to endorse various products, including X (formerly Twitter), its owner Elon Musk, and the often-discussed Tesla Cybertruck.
In addition to her endeavors in entertainment and philanthropy, Welch has ventured into the cryptocurrency space. She has invested in Bitcoin and owns some Dogecoin, driven by Musk’s involvement with the meme coin. Recently, in collaboration with advisers, she launched a new cryptocurrency called $HAWK on the Solana blockchain, claiming it complies with securities laws. However, skepticism surrounding the launch quickly arose within the crypto community.
Shortly after its introduction, $HAWK’s value skyrocketed by 900%, raising its market capitalization to nearly $500 million. Unfortunately, this surge was short-lived, as the coin’s price plummeted by approximately 95% within hours, leading to significant losses for retail investors. Accusations of the project being a potential pump-and-dump scheme began to surface, with many crypto enthusiasts raising concerns about suspected insider trading.
Reports indicated that early insiders rapidly sold their holdings for substantial profits, while some buyers, dubbed “snipers,” acquired large amounts of the coin only to sell off quickly. In fact, blockchain data revealed that 96% of the total $HAWK supply was concentrated in a small number of wallets, suggesting a coordinated effort behind these transactions.
While the explosive ups and downs of $HAWK highlight the volatility often seen within the cryptocurrency market, they serve as a reminder of the potential pitfalls that can accompany new investments, especially in a landscape where hype can often overshadow foundational stability. Moving forward, Welcher may need to navigate the complexities of both her brand and the crypto world carefully, ensuring her ventures align with both her audience’s expectations and ethical business practices.
Despite the challenges she faces, her journey emphasizes the dynamic nature of fame in the digital age and how it can evolve into diverse opportunities.