Viral personality Hailey Welch has been notably absent from her podcast and social media since the troubled launch of her cryptocurrency, Hawk Tuah ($HAWK), which experienced a swift collapse on its debut day.
In an update from Dec. 20, 2024, Welch has finally addressed her fans following the significant fallout from the cryptocurrency venture, having remained silent for several weeks. Her podcast, Talk Tuah, has not seen a new episode in two weeks, and prior to her recent statement, there had been no announcement of a hiatus.
Welch gained fame over the summer with her viral catchphrase, “Hawk Tuah,” which eventually led to merchandise sales and the launch of her podcast that quickly climbed the Spotify charts. However, the excitement surrounding her brand took a downturn following the launch of her memecoin on Dec. 4. The $HAWK coin initially surged to a market capitalization of hundreds of millions before plummeting in value almost immediately, leaving many investors with substantial losses.
The fallout from the cryptocurrency launch has caused tension among Welch’s fanbase, particularly as investigations revealed that a majority of the tokens were concentrated in a few wallets. Many accused Welch and her team of insider trading, claiming that pre-launch investors profited by unloading their holdings immediately after the coin went live. During a live stream held shortly after the launch, Welch and her team faced intense scrutiny from listeners but she abruptly ended the discussion, stating, “Anywho, I’m gonna go to bed.”
While Welch has not commented directly on the situation, her partners at OverHere have attempted to clarify matters, attributing the mishap to Alex Larson Schultz—a figure associated with their project. Schultz, known as Doc Hollywood and related to comedian Howie Mandel, has so far remained silent amid the controversy.
The most recent episode of Talk Tuah aired on Dec. 3, just prior to the ill-fated cryptocurrency launch. The podcast had built a steady following with weekly releases since its inception, making Welch’s current absence from the airwaves all the more notable.
Looking ahead, there is still an opportunity for a resolution as Welch has now issued a statement addressing her fans. This engagement could mark a turning point for her brand and her relationship with her audience. As she attempts to navigate through this challenging situation, many supporters are hopeful that her return will bring clarity and a revitalization of her career.
In essence, while the crisis surrounding the $HAWK coin presents significant challenges, it also opens the door for Welch to demonstrate resilience and transparency, qualities that can ultimately strengthen her bond with followers.