2024 was a big year for Hailey Welch. After making an off-hand joke during a street interview, she went viral on TikTok.
“Hawk tuah” became a catchphrase beloved by many, and for Welch, things just kept getting better. She made several high-profile event appearances, sold merch (including Spirit Halloween costumes), and even launched her own podcast.
In short, Welch was the exception to the viral star who cashes in on their moment until the internet moves on. As her popularity peaked, she released her own crypto token “HAWK”. And things seemed to be going well until the token tanked by 93%, leading to accusations that Welch was part of a “rug pull” scheme.
Ever since the scandal erupted, Welch has completely disappeared from the internet. On Dec 5, she made an ill-fated appearance on X’s Spaces with YouTuber Coffeedzilla, wherein she announced she was going to bed as soon as the scheme was brought up. Subsequently, Welch released a statement on Dec. 20 2024, asserting that she was taking the situation seriously and that she was in discussions with her legal team.
Since then, her profiles have remained silent, and her weekly podcast, ‘Talk Tuah’ remains neglected. Which raises the question, when will Welch return? Perhaps she is waiting until the drama dies down, or has decided to follow in the footsteps of former YouTuber Jenna Marbles and quit the internet for good.
Fans left in the lurch by Welch face a disappointing reality: either a diminished lineup or a prolonged wait. But with each passing day, the clock ticks louder on her potential return, now six weeks and counting.
