Haliey Welch, known online as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” has made a much-anticipated return to social media, months after a controversial situation involving her cryptocurrency project left some fans devastated. This “comeback” has sparked widespread discussion, with fans expressing mixed emotions and reflecting on the events that unfolded. Here’s a closer look at the rise, fall, and return of the Hawk Tuah Girl.

The Rise of Hawk Tuah Girl

Haliey Welch, a 22-year-old from Belfast, Tennessee, first gained viral fame with a bold and NSFW “Hawk Tuah” clip. Capitalizing on her newfound fame, Welch quickly built an online empire, which included thriving social media accounts, a podcast produced by Jake Paul’s Betr media company, and even a clothing brand. Her social media presence exploded, and she seemed to be on the path to becoming a major internet sensation.

The Cryptocurrency Controversy

In December of the previous year, Welch ventured into the world of cryptocurrency by launching her own memecoin, $HAWK. Initially, the coin generated excitement, with its market cap soaring to an impressive $490 million shortly after its launch, according to Crypto Times. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse.

The $HAWK coin, which had not been registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), suffered a dramatic crash, losing more than 90% of its value within hours. This shocking collapse left many investors in distress, with some claiming they had lost their life savings.

One investor even stated, “I purchased your coin $Hawk that you were so excited about with my life savings and children’s college education fund as well.” This loss led to accusations that Welch had misled her fans and betrayed their trust.

The Backlash and Silence

Following the coin’s massive failure, Welch’s social media presence went silent. Aside from a brief statement on X (formerly Twitter) in December, she refrained from addressing the situation publicly. In her statement, she expressed her commitment to working with legal teams to resolve the matter and uncover the truth. However, her silence only fueled rumors and speculation about her involvement in the failed cryptocurrency project.

During this time, rumors swirled about Welch’s alleged death and even a supposed pregnancy. The internet was rife with questions: Was she in jail? Was she gone for good?

The Comeback Video

On March 25, 2025, Welch made her long-awaited return by posting a video on Instagram. The caption read, “What’d I miss?” In the video, she humorously addressed the wild rumors that had circulated about her during her absence. The clip began with Welch “waking up” from a dream in which she had heard that the “Hawk Tuah Girl” had died. She then joked about the pregnancy rumors, donning a faux baby bump while pretending to care for an infant’s sippy cup.

The video also included a playful segment where she pretended to be in jail, responding to a clip of Joe Rogan asking, “What’s going on with that ‘Hawk Tuah’ chick? She going to jail?” The video ended with Welch waking up and giving her followers a quirky glimpse of her life post-drama.

Fans React

Welch’s return has sparked a flurry of reactions from her fans. Some were excited to see her back, while others were quick to comment on the unusual nature of her comeback. One fan wrote, “This might be the most important day in online history.” Another commented, “Return of the Queen.” Many fans expressed their support for Welch, with one saying, “Good news! Glad you’re back. You’re entertaining, uplifting, and just plain ol’ fun to watch!”

However, the video also reminded fans of how unpredictable and chaotic internet culture can be. “The comment section did a great job of reminding me of how unhinged internet culture still is,” one person noted.

Legal Troubles and Lawsuits

Despite her return, Welch is still tied to the fallout from the $HAWK memecoin. The coin’s failure has led to a lawsuit filed against overHere Ltd. and its founder Clinton So, along with influencer Alex Larson Schultz, who helped promote the coin. The lawsuit accuses them of selling unregistered securities and exploiting the American market. Welch, however, has not been named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

The Road Ahead

While Welch’s comeback video may have lightened the mood, the drama surrounding her cryptocurrency venture is far from over. Fans will likely continue to debate her actions, but for now, the Hawk Tuah Girl is back in the spotlight, keeping everyone guessing about what’s next for her online empire.

In the end, Welch’s return shows just how unpredictable and wild the world of internet fame can be. Whether people see her as a symbol of redemption or a cautionary tale, one thing is clear: the Hawk Tuah Girl is back, and the online world is watching.