Haliey Welch, known as Hawk Tuah Girl, became a viral sensation in 2024 after a humorous street interview. Her fame led to a cryptocurrency venture called $HAWK, which sparked controversy when it crashed shortly after launch. This post dives into how much Welch earned from $HAWK, the events surrounding it, and her financial journey. We’ll answer reader questions and explain meme coins clearly.
Who is Hawk Tuah Girl?
Haliey Welch, a 22-year-old from Belfast, Tennessee, went viral in June 2024 after a YouTube video by Tim & Dee TV captured her saying “hawk tuah” in a street interview. The phrase, mimicking a spitting sound, became a meme, gaining millions of views on TikTok. Welch quit her spring factory job and built a brand that includes:
- A merchandise line earning over $65,000 in early sales.
- A podcast, “Talk Tuah,” ranking in Spotify’s top five.
- Over 2.6 million Instagram followers and paid appearances, like throwing the first pitch at a Mets game.
Her Southern charm made her a Gen Z icon, but her crypto venture brought challenges.
Learn about other celebrity crypto ventures in What Cryptocurrencies Does Elon Musk Own?
What Was $HAWK?
In December 2024, Welch launched $HAWK, a meme coin on the Solana blockchain, with web3 developer overHere Limited. Meme coins are cryptocurrencies inspired by internet trends, like Dogecoin, often driven by hype rather than utility. Welch promoted $HAWK on X and her podcast, aiming to connect with fans and give free tokens to supporters.
The launch was volatile:
- Peak: $HAWK hit a $490 million market cap within hours.
- Crash: It dropped 95% to $60 million in 20 minutes, later stabilizing at $28 million by December 5, 2024, per DEX Screener.
The chart below shows $HAWK’s market cap movement:
How Much Did Haliey Welch Make?
Welch’s earnings from $HAWK are not fully public, but reports provide clues:
- Upfront Payment: She received $125,000 to promote $HAWK.
- Token Share: Welch owned 10% of $HAWK tokens, locked for one year with a three-year vesting period, meaning she couldn’t sell during the crash.
- Insider Profits: Blockchain firm Bubblemaps reported insiders made $3 million, but no evidence confirms Welch was included. One wallet flipped 17.5% of tokens for $1.3 million.
- Net Worth: As of 2025, Welch’s net worth is around $500,000, from:
- Merchandise: $65,000+.
- Podcast sponsorships and appearances: Tens of thousands.
- Social media deals: Similar range.
- $HAWK: Likely limited to the $125,000 payment.
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Merchandise Sales | $65,000+ |
| Podcast (“Talk Tuah”) | Tens of thousands |
| Social Media Deals | Tens of thousands |
| Public Appearances | Tens of thousands |
| $HAWK Cryptocurrency | $125,000 (confirmed) |
| Total Net Worth | ~$500,000 (2025) |
Welch denied selling tokens, stating on X, “Team hasn’t sold one token,” though a community note questioned this.
Understand crypto risks in Crypto Slippage Explained.
Why the Controversy?
The $HAWK crash fueled accusations:
- Pump-and-Dump Claims: Crypto investigator Coffeezilla accused Welch’s team of hyping the coin for insider profits. Bubblemaps found 96% of tokens in one wallet cluster, suggesting coordinated sales.
- Lawsuits: On December 19, 2024, investors sued overHere Limited, its founder Clinton So, and others in New York federal court, alleging $151,000 in losses. Welch was not named as a defendant.
- SEC Probe: The SEC investigated but closed the case in March 2025, finding no charges against Welch.
- Welch’s Response: She cooperated with investors’ lawyers, expressed regret, and paused her podcast, saying the controversy “hurt my feelings”.
Lessons from $HAWK
Welch’s crypto venture offers takeaways:
- Meme Coin Risks: These coins are volatile and often lack value beyond hype.
- Celebrity Ventures: Fame doesn’t guarantee crypto success, as seen with Kim Kardashian’s SEC fines.
- Investor Caution: Research projects thoroughly before investing.
Welch moved forward by:
- Relaunching her podcast in 2025.
- Starting Pookie Tools, a dating advice app, in November 2024.
- Founding an animal charity to rebuild her image.
Learn how to safely buy crypto in How to Buy Crypto Without KYC.
FAQs
How much did Hawk Tuah Girl make from $HAWK?
Welch earned $125,000 upfront, but her 10% token share was locked, so no crash profits are confirmed.
What is $HAWK worth now?
As of December 2024, $HAWK’s market cap is ~$28 million, per DEX Screener.
Was $HAWK a scam?
No evidence proves Welch scammed investors, and the SEC cleared her, but insider trading claims persist.
What is Hawk Tuah Girl’s net worth?
Around $500,000 in 2025, from merchandise, podcast, and social media.
Why do meme coins crash?
They rely on hype, and rapid selling by early investors can tank prices.
Conclusion
Haliey Welch’s $HAWK launch was a high-profile failure, with her confirmed earnings limited to a $125,000 payment. Insider profits of $3 million fueled controversy, but no evidence ties Welch directly to them. Her $500,000 net worth reflects her broader success, despite the crypto backlash. The $HAWK saga shows the dangers of meme coins and the need for careful research in crypto investments.
