YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Haliey Welch, known across social media as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” launched her own cryptocurrency at the peak of her viral fame in late 2024. The token, called $HAWK, debuted in December and quickly gained traction, pulling in investors who were drawn by her massive online presence and bold personality.
Within hours, the coin’s market cap climbed near $490 million. But that success did not last. The price collapsed by more than 90%, leaving investors with heavy losses. This crash triggered a wave of backlash and raised legal questions about how the coin was promoted and who profited from the short-lived surge.
Welch denied involvement in any wrongdoing. She said she was not behind the coin’s collapse and had no control over how it was marketed or traded. She emphasized that she cooperated fully with legal teams representing affected investors.
SEC Closed the $HAWK Token Case Without Charges
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission opened an investigation into the $HAWK token in early 2025. However, in March, the agency confirmed it would not bring charges against Welch. Her legal team stated that the SEC found no evidence of fraud or securities violations linked to her role.
This decision cleared Welch from any restrictions on future financial projects or crypto-related activity. Though the controversy damaged her online reputation, she avoided formal penalties and legal consequences.
After disappearing from public view for months, Welch returned to social media in March 2025. She relaunched her podcast “Talk Tuah,” which was originally tied to Jake Paul’s Betr network. The new version runs independently, and Welch appears to be taking more creative control.
She also announced an upcoming documentary from Bungalow Media + Entertainment. The project will explore how she became a viral sensation and what happened behind the scenes during the $HAWK token meltdown. The documentary aims to show both her rise and the fallout that followed.
Welch is also stepping into entertainment. She will make a cameo appearance in Hulu’s upcoming comedy series “Chad Powers,” starring Glen Powell. This marks her first acting credit since the height of her internet fame.
‘Hawk Tuah’ Fame Still Carries Weight
Despite the crypto scandal, the “Hawk Tuah” phrase still dominates social media. The original viral clip racked up millions of views and triggered a wave of memes. Welch became a household name overnight. Even after the $HAWK token collapsed, her brand continued to attract attention.
Now she’s shifting focus. Instead of riding meme culture, Welch is rebuilding her image through media projects. She’s launched a podcast, announced a documentary, and distanced herself from direct involvement in the token. The $HAWK debacle may have damaged investor trust, but it also cemented her place in one of 2024’s biggest crypto narratives.
Whether she reclaims her viral influence remains unclear. But Haliey Welch is no longer just a meme—she’s part of crypto history.
