Crypto Fame: How Much Did the Hawk Tuah Girl Really Make?

Haliey Welch, catapulted to fame as the “Hawk Tuah Girl” after a viral video surfaced in June 2024, made a swift transition into the cryptocurrency world by December 2024 with her own memecoin, $HAWK.

This move was not without controversy, sparking debates over her profits and the implications of celebrity involvement in cryptocurrency. Welch’s rise to fame was meteoric, transforming her into an internet phenomenon overnight. With millions of followers across social media platforms, she leveraged her newfound fame to venture into the crypto space.

The central question surrounding Welch’s cryptocurrency venture is: amid conflicting reports, how much did she actually make from promoting $HAWK? This article will delve into the financial implications of her venture and the controversy that followed.

The Rise of Haliey Welch: From Viral Sensation to Crypto Entrepreneur

Haliey Welch’s rise to internet fame started with a provocative comment during a street interview. In June 2024, she became an overnight sensation after being interviewed by the Vox pop YouTube channel, Tim & Dee, outside a nightclub in Nashville.

The Viral “Hawk Tuah” Moment

The interview took an unexpected turn when Haliey encouraged the interviewer to “spice up the questions.” Her response to a “spicy” question with the now-famous phrase, “You just gotta ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang,” was uploaded to TikTok and went viral overnight. This viral “hawk tuah” moment catapulted her to fame, making her a meme and earning her the title of “Hawk Tuah girl.”

Building a Personal Brand

Capitalizing on her newfound fame, Haliey quickly quit her job at a spring factory and opened up a merchandise line, making $65,000 within the first couple of weeks. She then created social media platforms, amassing 2.6 million followers on Instagram. Haliey even launched a podcast called “Talk Tuah” managed by Jake Paul’s Betr Media Company. Her rapid growth on social media and expanding media presence, including celebrity interviews and public appearances, helped establish her as more than just a one-hit viral sensation.

Haliey’s ability to turn her viral moment into a sustainable brand is evident in her merchandising efforts and her growing presence in the media. With thousands of followers across various platforms, she has successfully transitioned from a viral video to a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry.

The $HAWK Token Launch and Initial Success

With the launch of $HAWK on December 4, 2024, Welch’s crypto venture gained unprecedented attention. The $HAWK token, a memecoin built on the Solana blockchain, was the result of a partnership between Welch and a company called overHere.

Promotion and Promises

Welch heavily promoted $HAWK online and on her “Talk Tuah” podcast, claiming it would “redefine memecoins” and build a community rather than just being a money-making scheme. She promised free $HAWK tokens to her fans, generating significant interest and hype around the token.

The Meteoric Rise to $490 Million

$HAWK’s value skyrocketed shortly after its launch, nearly reaching a $500 million market capitalization, or $490 million by some estimates. This rapid rise was a testament to the strong promotional efforts and the popularity of Welch among her followers.

Token Distribution and Ownership Structure

The ownership structure of $HAWK was a subject of controversy, with reports suggesting that approximately 10 wallets, likely controlled by Welch or her associates, held between 80 and 90% of the $HAWK supply. This raised concerns about the centralization of the token and potential insider control.

• The $HAWK token was launched on December 4, 2024, as a Solana-based memecoin.
• Welch’s promotional efforts included her “Talk Tuah” podcast and online campaigns.
• The token’s value rose to approximately $490 million shortly after launch.
• Concerns were raised about the centralization of $HAWK’s ownership structure.

How Much Did Hawk Tuah Girl Make From Crypto?

Determining how much Haliey Welch made from her cryptocurrency venture is a complex task. The $HAWK token launch and subsequent events have created a murky picture of her earnings.

Reported Earnings and Deals

One confirmed figure is the $125,000 upfront payment Welch received for promoting the $HAWK token. This is a verifiable amount that she earned from her involvement with the cryptocurrency. However, her 10% slice of the tokens was locked up for a year, complicating the calculation of her total earnings.

According to estimates, Haliey Welch could have cashed in $50 million from the sale of $HAWK tokens. However, this figure is speculative and depends on various factors, including the token’s price at the time of sale.

Earnings Component	Amount	Remarks
Upfront Payment	$125,000	Confirmed payment for promoting $HAWK
Estimated Earnings from Token Sale	$50 million	Speculative, based on estimated token price

The Controversial Wallet Transactions

A wallet allegedly made a $1.3 million profit within hours of the $HAWK token launch. However, there’s no solid proof linking this wallet to Haliey Welch or her team. The lawsuit claimed that the Tuah the Moon Foundation had a wallet that collected about $3 million in transaction fees, but the connection to Welch’s earnings remains unclear.

Separating Facts From Speculation

To understand Welch’s actual earnings, it’s crucial to separate verifiable facts from speculation. While the $125,000 payment is a confirmed fact, estimates of her earnings from token sales are speculative. The blockchain evidence and wallet activities provide some insights, but definitively linking specific wallets to Welch or her team remains challenging.

“The stories about her making millions overnight from the coin’s short-lived high are just guesses, not backed by what we know about her locked tokens.”

In conclusion, while Haliey Welch certainly profited from her involvement with $HAWK, the exact amount remains difficult to determine due to the complexities of cryptocurrency transactions and the lack of clear evidence linking certain wallets to her or her team.

Aftermath and Lessons From the $HAWK Controversy

The saga of Haliey Welch and the $HAWK token serves as a cautionary tale in the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and influencer marketing. The rapid 90% crash in value led to accusations of a “pump and dump” scheme, with critics pointing to the team behind the token as the primary culprits.

Crypto investigator Coffeezilla called it “one of the most miserable horrible launches,” accusing the team of targeting inexperienced investors. The public response was swift, with many fans feeling betrayed by the sudden collapse. Welch and her associates pushed back against these claims, with Welch insisting that the “team hasn’t sold one token.”

The legal consequences were severe, with a lawsuit filed in New York federal court on December 19, 2024, by investors claiming to have lost approximately $151,000. Welch later expressed regret, stating that she felt bad about what happened and how much money people lost. For more information on similar crypto scams, you can read our detailed analysis on CoinTelegraph.

The regulatory aftermath saw the SEC investigate the $HAWK coin, but they decided not to charge Haliey Welch or hit her with any penalties in March 2025. This incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny in crypto promotions and the importance of due diligence for investors following influencer-promoted tokens. As the crypto market continues to evolve, it’s clear that this incident will have lasting repercussions for both Welch and the broader cryptocurrency landscape.

FAQ

What is the $HAWK token, and how is it related to Haliey Welch?

The $HAWK token is a cryptocurrency associated with Haliey Welch, also known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” whose viral moment sparked a memecoin craze. The token’s value surged after its launch, reaching a market value of 0 million.

How did Haliey Welch’s personal brand contribute to the $HAWK token’s success?

Haliey Welch’s viral fame and her ability to leverage her online presence helped promote the $HAWK token, attracting a large following and driving its initial success.

What were the reported earnings of Haliey Welch from the $HAWK token?

Reports indicate that Haliey Welch made around

FAQ

What is the $HAWK token, and how is it related to Haliey Welch?

The $HAWK token is a cryptocurrency associated with Haliey Welch, also known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” whose viral moment sparked a memecoin craze. The token’s value surged after its launch, reaching a market value of $490 million.

How did Haliey Welch’s personal brand contribute to the $HAWK token’s success?

Haliey Welch’s viral fame and her ability to leverage her online presence helped promote the $HAWK token, attracting a large following and driving its initial success.

What were the reported earnings of Haliey Welch from the $HAWK token?

Reports indicate that Haliey Welch made around $1.3 million from the $HAWK token, although the exact figures are disputed due to controversy surrounding wallet transactions.

What is the current status of the $HAWK token’s market value?

After reaching a peak of $490 million, the market value of the $HAWK token has fluctuated, with its current status being a subject of interest among investors and followers.

What lessons can be learned from the $HAWK controversy?

The $HAWK controversy highlights the importance of transparency, regulatory compliance, and cautious investment in the cryptocurrency market, particularly for memecoins with high volatility.

How did the community react to the $HAWK token’s launch and subsequent price movements?

The community’s reaction was mixed, with some members enthusiastically supporting the token and others expressing skepticism and concern over its volatility and the potential for market manipulation.

.3 million from the $HAWK token, although the exact figures are disputed due to controversy surrounding wallet transactions.

What is the current status of the $HAWK token’s market value?

After reaching a peak of 0 million, the market value of the $HAWK token has fluctuated, with its current status being a subject of interest among investors and followers.

What lessons can be learned from the $HAWK controversy?

The $HAWK controversy highlights the importance of transparency, regulatory compliance, and cautious investment in the cryptocurrency market, particularly for memecoins with high volatility.

How did the community react to the $HAWK token’s launch and subsequent price movements?

The community’s reaction was mixed, with some members enthusiastically supporting the token and others expressing skepticism and concern over its volatility and the potential for market manipulation.