Hailiey Welch Dismisses Lawsuit Rumors Over Viral ‘Hawk Tuah’ Video

Hailiey Welch, who gained internet fame as the “Hawk Tuah” girl, has refuted rumors that she is pursuing legal action against the creators of the viral video that launched her to stardom. This speculation emerged after multiple reports suggested Welch was seeking the rights to the footage produced by YouTubers Tim Dickerson and DeArius Marlow during a man-on-the-street interview.

The viral clip featured Welch being asked about her preferences in relationships, where she provided a candid response described as “Hawk tuah,” an onomatopoeia that contributed to her unexpected internet acclaim. This particular moment propelled Welch into the spotlight, resulting in widespread recognition and opportunities, including the launch of her “Talk Tuah” podcast and various merchandise ventures.

Responding to the lawsuit rumors, Welch took to the platform X, formerly Twitter, where she dismissed the allegations as “fake news” by posting an image from the film “Legally Blonde,” with her face superimposed on actress Reese Witherspoon‘s character in a courtroom scene. She addressed the speculation directly, asserting that no legal action was underway and described the hearsay as an attempt to “chase clout.”

The controversy intensified when the X account @DramaAlert posted a screenshot suggesting that “Tim & Dee TV” hinted at a legal dispute in a YouTube comments section. Welch, however, remained firm in her denial, stating on X, “If I sued, it would be public, but I guess clout is being chased,” humorously ending her statement with a laughing emoji.

Despite the ongoing speculation, representatives for Welch, Dickerson, and Marlow have yet to publicly comment on the issue. Welch, a native of Belfast, Tennessee, has expressed how her life has drastically changed since the video, sharing anecdotes about overcoming stage fright and adjusting to her newfound fame.

Marlow has teased the possibility of releasing further details on YouTube to clarify the situation, although no official court documents have surfaced. In a YouTube comment, Marlow suggested that an explanation would be forthcoming, countering claims of fake news.

Meanwhile, Welch continues to grow her digital presence, boasting over 2.6 million followers on Instagram, and her podcast channel now features high-profile guests, contributing to her sustained popularity.