Haliey ‘Hawk Tuah’ Welch shot to viral fame in June 2024 but faced backlash over her failed cryptocurrency launch. Now she’s made a surprise comeback with a Disney+ cameo – here’s her complete story
If you’ve spent any time online over the past couple of years, chances are you’ve encountered the phrase ‘Hawk Tuah’. The expression was born when Haliey Welch delivered it during a memorable street interview back in June 2024.
Following that moment, she rocketed to stardom before experiencing a spectacular fall from grace amid a series of controversies. After making several questionable decisions, Haliey chose to retreat from the spotlight and disappeared entirely – until recently.
The internet sensation has recently made her comeback with an appearance on the new Disney+ series Chad Powers, featuring in the opening minutes of the debut episode. Here, we explore the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl’s meteoric rise, dramatic downfall, and possible return to fame…
Background
Haliey’s path to internet stardom kicked off in June 2024, when she was approached by TikTok personalities Tim and Dee TV for an interview.
The segment focused on chatting to women following their nights out on the town, which often resulted in candid admissions they might not have made whilst sober.
In the now-legendary footage, Haliey was quizzed about what drives blokes wild during intimate moments. Without hesitation, she responded: “You gotta hawk tuah and spit on that thing.”
The term “hawk tuah” replicates the noise someone makes when clearing their throat before spitting, and her performance, paired with her distinctive Southern drawl, rapidly transformed into an internet sensation.
Viral meme
Following the clip’s upload, Haliey was catapulted to online fame – and she seized the moment with lightning speed. She swiftly unveiled a merchandise range and built up her own fanbase, launching various ventures along the way.
Additionally, she hosted her own podcast – the Hawk Tuah podcast, created alongside Jake Paul’s media empire. The show served as her platform to address the press after her meteoric rise.
In the podcast trailer, Haliey revealed: “I’m sitting down with the coolest guests and having actual conversations with them.”
Nevertheless, it was short-lived. Following several attempts at weekly instalments, Haliey pulled the plug on the venture as shuttling between LA for filming and her Midwestern home proved utterly unworkable.
Downfall
In December 2024, Haliey announced she had created a memecoin, $HAWK, inspired by her viral moment.
It ended up being a disastrous venture that allegedly cost some supporters thousands in savings and was never officially registered with US regulators.
Within mere hours of the cryptocurrency’s debut, its worth was plummeting in real time. Supporters would slam Haliey as they poured substantial sums into the venture, yet she offered scant reassurance amid the chaos.
In a comical blunder, Haliey hopped onto a Space on X to reassure fans about an ongoing issue, promising that they were working to resolve the problem.
However, after enduring relentless pressure, Haliey threw in the towel, declaring: “I’m gonna go to bed, and I’ll see you all tomorrow,” much to the annoyance of her followers who cancelled her for months.
Comeback?
After a hiatus, Haliey made a comeback by kickstarting her online career through streaming on Twitch, a platform dedicated to live broadcasts.
Her most recent return to the spotlight was in October, when she made an unexpected appearance in the first episode of Disney+ hit Chad Powers.
Portraying herself, Haliey’s acting skills were put to the test as she encounters the title character in a nightclub, only to storm off after instructing Chad not to disclose their meeting.
We’ll just have to wait and see what Haliey gets up to next!
