The meteoric rise and precipitous fall of internet sensation Haliey Welch, better known as the 'Hawk Tuah girl', reads like a modern fable of viral fame. After a single, unforgettable street interview in June 2024 catapulted her to stardom, her journey spiralled through business ventures, a failed podcast, and a controversial cryptocurrency scheme that left fans furious. Now, after a lengthy absence, Welch has tentatively stepped back into the public eye with a surprise role on a major streaming platform.
From Obscurity to Overnight Internet Fame
Haliey Welch's life changed during a boozy night out in June 2024. Interviewed by TikTok duo Tim & Dee TV, she was asked what move drives a man wild during intimacy. With her distinctive Southern accent, she delivered the now-legendary line: "You gotta hawk tuah and spit on that thing." The phrase, mimicking the sound of throat-clearing before spitting, instantly became a global meme.
Welch moved quickly to capitalise on her sudden fame. She launched a line of merchandise, built a substantial social media following, and even started her own businesses. Her most significant project was The Hawk Tuah Podcast, produced in partnership with influencer Jake Paul's media company. In the trailer, she promised conversations with cool guests, framing it as a direct channel to respond to the media frenzy surrounding her.
The Swift Downfall: A Podcast Pause and Crypto Catastrophe
However, the podcast's weekly format proved unsustainable. Welch found it impossible to commute regularly from her home in the Midwestern United States to Los Angeles for filming, forcing her to abandon the project shortly after it began.
Her real crisis arrived in December 2024. Welch ventured into the volatile world of cryptocurrency by launching $HAWK, a memecoin inspired by her viral moment. Crucially, the coin was never registered with US authorities. The value of $HAWK plummeted catastrophically within hours of its launch, with some investors claiming they lost their entire life savings.
Her handling of the fallout worsened the situation. During a live Spaces session on X (formerly Twitter), she attempted to calm nervous investors but ultimately gave up, telling them, "I'm gonna go to bed, and I'll see you all tomorrow." This response left fans fuming, and Welch subsequently retreated from public view entirely.
A Tentative Return to the Spotlight
After lying low for months, Welch began a slow return, first by streaming on the platform Twitch. Her most notable comeback attempt came in October 2025 with a surprise cameo in the debut episode of the Disney+ series Chad Powers.
Playing herself, her scene sees her meeting the titular character in a nightclub. The brief foray into acting ends with her character storming off after telling Chad not to reveal they met. While it's a minor role, it marks a significant step in her attempted rehabilitation within the entertainment industry.
The story of Haliey Welch serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting and often perilous nature of internet fame. From a viral soundbite to a branded empire, a disastrous financial scheme, and a fledgling acting career, her path remains uniquely unpredictable. Only time will tell if this latest appearance signals a genuine resurgence or merely a footnote in her turbulent online saga.
