Hailey Welch is a name that almost everyone on the internet has heard by now. Known to millions as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” she became an overnight sensation in mid-2024 after a spontaneous street interview clip went viral. Her unfiltered sense of humor and quirky personality instantly made her a pop culture phenomenon. But fame, as Hailey quickly learned, comes with its own set of challenges.
In just a few months, Welch went from being an unknown 22-year-old from Tennessee to a full-blown internet celebrity with millions of followers and major brand deals. However, her journey took a sharp turn when she became linked to a cryptocurrency project that stirred controversy online. After months of silence, Hailey Welch is finally making her comeback — and she’s doing it on her own terms.
This is the story of how Hailey rose, fell, and is now rebuilding her brand with resilience and self-awareness.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Hailey Welch
Nickname: Hawk Tuah Girl
Age: 22 (as of 2025)
Hometown: Tennessee, United States
Profession: Podcaster, Influencer, Internet Personality
Known For: Viral “Hawk Tuah” video (June 2024)
Podcast: Talk Tuah
Company: 16 Minutes
Former Partnership: Betr Holdings, Inc. (Co-founded by Jake Paul)
Upcoming Project: Documentary by Bungalow Media + Entertainment
Social Media Presence: Active on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
The Moment That Changed Everything: How “Hawk Tuah Girl” Went Viral
The internet loves spontaneous moments, and Hailey Welch gave it one of the biggest in recent memory. In June 2024, a casual street interview turned into a viral sensation when Welch responded to a question about relationships with a now-infamous phrase that had everyone repeating her words and laughing uncontrollably. The clip spread like wildfire across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.
Within days, the phrase “Hawk Tuah” became a cultural catchphrase. Welch’s charm wasn’t just in what she said — it was how she said it. Her southern accent, playful smile, and genuine energy made her instantly likable. What started as a funny one-liner quickly became a global meme, spawning remixes, merchandise, and endless reactions online.
For Hailey, the sudden fame was both thrilling and overwhelming. She had no PR team or media plan — just a moment that captured the world’s attention.
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Overnight Internet Sensation: How Hailey Handled Sudden Fame
Going viral changed Hailey Welch’s life almost instantly. She found herself invited to podcasts, interviews, and social events across the country. What made her stand out wasn’t just her humor but her ability to stay grounded amid chaos. Fans loved her authenticity and the way she embraced the attention without trying too hard.
Soon after her viral success, Hailey launched her own podcast called “Talk Tuah.” The show gave her a chance to share more of her personality beyond memes. She talked about relationships, pop culture, and her experiences with newfound fame. The podcast’s lighthearted tone made it a hit, helping Welch transform from a viral clip to a relatable online personality with a growing fanbase.
It was clear that Hailey had something special — the ability to connect with people on a personal level while keeping things entertaining and fun.
Launching Her Career: The Success of the Talk Tuah Podcast
The Talk Tuah podcast quickly became one of the most talked-about shows on social media. With Hailey at the center, each episode brought laughter, honesty, and insight into her real life. Her natural humor and open-minded attitude made listeners feel like they were chatting with a friend.
Behind the scenes, the podcast was supported by Betr Holdings, Inc., a sports-betting and media startup co-founded by Jake Paul. This partnership gave the show professional production support and broader exposure. For a while, everything seemed to be going perfectly — Hailey was riding the wave of fame, building her brand, and connecting with audiences worldwide.
But fame can be unpredictable. Just when it seemed like she had found her rhythm, things took a turn.
The Crypto Coin Controversy: What Really Happened with $HAWK
In December 2024, Hailey Welch’s career hit a major roadblock. She helped launch a cryptocurrency project called $HAWK, a meme coin inspired by her viral nickname. The project generated enormous buzz among her fans — but within 24 hours of its release, the coin crashed.
Investors accused the creators of running a “pump-and-dump” scheme, claiming that they had lost money. The backlash was immediate, and Hailey’s name was suddenly at the center of online speculation. However, it’s important to note that Welch herself was not directly responsible for the project’s operations or finances.
The controversy spiraled quickly, forcing Hailey to retreat from public life to protect her mental health and cooperate with legal representatives. It was a difficult lesson about the dangers of mixing viral fame with unregulated financial ventures.
Legal Fallout and Investigation: How Hailey Cleared Her Name
As media coverage intensified, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) launched an investigation into the $HAWK coin. The lawsuit, filed by investors, alleged that the coin’s creators had unlawfully promoted and sold unregistered securities. However, Hailey Welch was not named as a defendant in the case.
Throughout the process, Hailey made it clear that she was cooperating fully with attorneys representing those affected by the crash. Her lawyer, James Sallah, later confirmed to TMZ that the SEC closed the investigation without making any findings against Hailey or imposing any monetary penalties.
In his statement, Sallah explained that because the SEC did not bring any action against Welch, she faced no restrictions on her future activities related to crypto or securities. This marked a crucial turning point for Hailey — her name was officially cleared, allowing her to move forward freely.
Stepping Away: Why Hailey Disappeared from the Spotlight
After months of public scrutiny, Hailey decided to step back from the spotlight in late 2024. Her last podcast episode, ironically titled “How to Avoid Getting Cancelled,” aired on December 3 — just one day before the crypto project launched.
For the next four months, she stayed out of public view, avoiding social media and interviews. During that time, fans speculated about where she was and whether she would ever return. Insiders later revealed that Hailey took the break to refocus her energy, prioritize her mental health, and figure out how she wanted to move forward in her career.
Her absence made her comeback all the more anticipated — and in April 2025, she finally announced her return.
The Comeback: Hailey Welch Announces Her Next Career Move
On April 1, 2025, Hailey Welch made headlines once again — this time for a positive reason. She announced that she was relaunching her Talk Tuah podcast on April 8, marking her official return to the entertainment scene.
The relaunch came with big changes. Hailey confirmed that she had ended her partnership with Jake Paul’s Betr Holdings, Inc. and would now run her podcast under her own company, 16 Minutes. Both sides released a joint statement confirming their mutual decision to part ways and wishing each other well.
The Talk Tuah relaunch is being described as “the start of a new chapter for Welch in reclaiming her voice.”
What to Expect from the New Talk Tuah Podcast
The new Talk Tuah podcast is expected to focus on everything Hailey loves — entertainment, pop culture, and comedy. This time, she has full creative control, and fans can expect unfiltered conversations and a more personal side of her story.
Hailey has hinted that the show will include a mix of humor, real-life reflections, and interviews that dig deeper into internet culture. For her, this isn’t just a comeback — it’s a reintroduction.
With a dedicated audience and her name cleared of controversy, Hailey is ready to rebuild her brand from the ground up, one episode at a time.
Beyond Podcasting: Hailey Welch’s Upcoming Documentary
In addition to her podcast revival, Hailey Welch will soon be the subject of a documentary produced by Bungalow Media + Entertainment, an Emmy-winning company known for its powerful storytelling.
The project will trace Hailey’s journey from small-town girl to viral icon, explore her struggles with fame, and reveal the truth behind her unexpected rise to stardom. As reported by Deadline, the film aims to show the “bizarre and fascinating” reality of internet fame and how a single clip can change a person’s life overnight.
For fans and critics alike, the documentary promises an honest, behind-the-scenes look at one of social media’s most talked-about figures.
Life After the Meme: How Hailey Is Reclaiming Her Narrative
Today, Hailey Welch is no longer just “Hawk Tuah Girl.” She’s an independent creator who’s learning from her experiences and using her platform more intentionally. She’s spoken openly about how fame affected her mental health and how she’s learned to manage the pressures that come with being in the public eye.
Her story is one of reinvention — turning a viral moment and a setback into an opportunity for growth. By taking ownership of her narrative, Hailey is showing that internet fame doesn’t have to define you; it can be a stepping stone toward something greater.
Final Thoughts: From Viral Sensation to Empowered Creator
Hailey Welch’s journey shows that internet fame can be unpredictable — but resilience can turn chaos into opportunity. She went from being a viral meme to a young woman navigating the complexities of sudden fame, controversy, and redemption.
Today, Hailey stands as a symbol of second chances. Her return to podcasting and her upcoming documentary signal not just a comeback but a conscious effort to redefine who she is. She’s no longer just a viral moment — she’s a voice, a storyteller, and an example of how authenticity can survive the storm of the internet age.
FAQs About Hailey Welch
Who Is Hailey Welch?
Hailey Welch is a social media star best known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl.” She went viral in 2024 after a street interview clip spread worldwide, making her an internet sensation.
What Made Hailey Welch Famous?
Her spontaneous and funny response during a 2024 street interview became one of the most shared videos of the year, earning her instant fame and the nickname “Hawk Tuah Girl.”
What Happened with Hailey Welch’s Crypto Coin?
Hailey helped promote a meme coin called $HAWK in December 2024. The coin crashed within a day, leading to controversy. However, Hailey was not accused of wrongdoing, and the SEC later cleared her of any involvement.
Why Did Hailey Welch Take a Break from the Spotlight?
Following the crypto controversy, Hailey stepped away from public life for four months to focus on her mental well-being and plan her next career move.
What Is Hailey Welch Doing Now?
Hailey is relaunching her Talk Tuah podcast under her own company, 16 Minutes. She is also the subject of a documentary being developed by Bungalow Media + Entertainment.
Did Hailey Welch Work with Jake Paul?
Yes, her podcast Talk Tuah was initially produced in partnership with Jake Paul’s Betr Holdings, Inc. They have since parted ways amicably.
What Can Fans Expect from Hailey Welch in 2025?
Fans can look forward to the relaunch of her podcast, upcoming media appearances, and a documentary that explores her journey from viral fame to personal empowerment.
