Hawk Tuah Girl Embroiled in Crypto Controversy: The $HAWK Meme Coin Debacle

Hawk Tuah Girl, whose real name is Haliey Welch, has found herself at the center of a significant crypto controversy following the launch and subsequent collapse of her $HAWK Meme Coin. The coin, which was launched on the Solana blockchain, was part of a trend where internet personalities leverage their fame to promote cryptocurrency projects. However, the venture quickly turned sour when the coin’s value skyrocketed and then plummeted, leading to accusations of a “rug pull” scam.

The term “rug pull” in the crypto world refers to a scenario where developers artificially inflate the value of a coin, attract investments, and then disappear with the funds. In the case of $HAWK, the coin reached a market cap of nearly half a billion dollars before crashing by over 90%, leaving many investors with significant financial losses. Critics, including crypto journalist Coffeezilla, have accused Welch and her team of insider trading and engineering the rug pull.

The backlash against Hawk Tuah Girl has been intense, with her social media accounts flooded with angry comments, memes, and hashtags. Despite her claims of having no ill intent and being as unaware of the impending collapse as her fans, the damage to her reputation has been substantial. The controversy has reignited debates about the risks associated with meme coins and the often chaotic nature of influencer-driven financial ventures.

Welch’s rise to fame began with a viral YouTube video in June 2024, where she used the catchphrase “hawk tuah” during a street interview. This led to her gaining a significant social media following, launching a podcast, an AI-powered dating app, and various other ventures. However, her foray into cryptocurrency has been her most contentious endeavor to date.

The incident has also drawn attention from regulatory bodies, with at least one investor filing a complaint with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). There is speculation that Welch could face legal consequences, including potential charges related to the crypto stunt.