On December 4, 2024, Hailey Welchcommonly known as “Hawk Tuah girl“has launched their highly anticipated $HAWK meme coin on the Solana blockchain. Initially, the cryptocurrency enjoyed huge popularity, reaching a staggering market capitalization of $500 million shortly after its debut. However, the meteoric rise was short-lived, as was the coin’s. The value fell by 88% in just a few minutes, settling at just $60 million.
The dramatic crash has sparked widespread speculation and controversy, with several theories emerging about the possible causes:

Carpet pull Accusations: Some industry insiders have expressed concerns that $HAWK may have faced a “rug pull.” In this practice, insiders or developers sell large amounts of tokens, depleting the project’s liquidity and leaving other investors with virtually worthless assets.
Market manipulation Suspicion: TThe rapid rise and subsequent crash have led to allegations of possible market manipulation. Analysts suspect that large investors, often referred to as “whales,” may have coordinated sell-offs to capitalize on the initial hype surrounding the launch.
Speculative nature of Meme coins: As a meme coin, $HAWK lacked inherent utility as its value was heavily dependent on internet trends and social media buzz. As the excitement died down, the coin’s vulnerability to volatile price swings became clear.
Hailey Welch has since addressed the incident and denied any involvement in the coin’s sudden decline. She claimed that neither she nor her team sold tokens during the launch, emphasizing that she has no control over the management of the token.
The $HAWK debacle highlights the inherent risks of investing in meme coins, which are often based on speculative behavior and subject to extreme volatility. The incident has drawn sharp criticism online, with many calling for stricter monitoring Cryptocurrency projects to prevent such consequences in the future.

Who is the Hawk Tuah Girl?

Hailey Welch, born July 13, 2002 in Tennessee, is an American social media personality who became an internet sensation as “Hawk Tuah Girl.” Her rise to fame began in June 2024 during CMA Fest in Nashville when she took part in a light-hearted street interview. In response to a cheeky question, Hailey humorously demonstrated her “Hawk Tuah” move, complete with a distinctive spitting sound. The moment went viral and quickly garnered millions of views across all social media platforms.
Before her unexpected rise to fame, Welch worked at a feather factory in Belfast, Tennessee. After the viral video, she embraced her newfound celebrity status and quit her factory job to seek opportunities in the entertainment industry. She quickly built a huge online following, gaining millions of fans on platforms like Instagram and TikTok and launching a successful line of merchandise, including her iconic Hawk Tuah ’24 hats.
Welch’s viral fame also led to high-profile media appearances. She threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a New York Mets game and started a podcast called “Talk Tuah.” She also co-developed an AI-powered dating guide app, Pookie Tools, which showcases her entrepreneurial side.
Despite her rapid rise, Hailey has been open about her personal life and the challenges she has faced. Welch was raised primarily by her grandmother because her mother struggled with substance abuse. Her authenticity and openness were very well received by fans. She has also worked to clear up misconceptions, clarify her background, and share her journey from a factory worker to a viral icon.
Hailey Welch’s story illustrates the unpredictability of internet fame. Her humor, authenticity, and entrepreneurial spirit have allowed her to turn a fleeting viral moment into a budding career.