Hailey Welch, better known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” became an overnight internet sensation in 2024 after a spontaneous interview in Nashville, Tennessee, went viral. Her unfiltered Southern charm and a now-iconic catchphrase—”hawk tuah”—propelled her into the spotlight, turning her into a meme, a podcast host, and even a cryptocurrency entrepreneur.
From working in a bedspring factory to rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Zach Bryan and Shaquille O’Neal, Welch’s journey has been anything but ordinary. However, her rapid rise also came with controversies, including a meme coin scandal that left investors furious. This article dives deep into Hailey Welch’s background, her unexpected fame, and the drama that followed.
Who Is Hailey Welch?
Hailey Welch was born in 2002 or 2003 in Belfast, Tennessee. Before her viral fame, she worked at a bedspring factory and lived a relatively low-key life. That all changed in June 2024 when she was interviewed by the YouTube channel Tim & Dee TV in Nashville’s Broadway district.
The interview started with lighthearted questions, but when asked, “What’s one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?” Welch responded with her now-famous line: “You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang.” The phrase, an onomatopoeia for a certain intimate act, instantly became a viral sensation.
Within days, Welch’s face was everywhere—TikTok remixes, memes, and even merchandise. Initially embarrassed by the attention, she eventually embraced her newfound fame, quitting her factory job and launching her own brand.
Key Facts About Hailey Welch:
- Age: 21-22 (as of 2025)
- Hometown: Belfast, Tennessee
- Current Residence: Nashville, Tennessee (living with her grandmother)
- Claim to Fame: “Hawk Tuah” viral interview
- Net Worth: Estimated $100K+ (from merch, sponsorships, and podcasting)
The Hawk Tuah Phenomenon
The “hawk tuah” clip spread like wildfire across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with millions of reposts. Welch’s Southern accent and unfiltered humor made her an instant internet darling. Soon, people were creating remixes, parody videos, and even Halloween costumes based on her.
How Did She Capitalize on the Fame?
- Merchandise: Welch partnered with a local apparel brand to sell “Hawk Tuah” T-shirts, hats, and stickers, reportedly earning over $65,000 in just weeks.
- Celebrity Collabs: She joined Zach Bryan on stage in Nashville, performed with Shaq at a DJ set, and even threw the first pitch at a New York Mets game.
- Podcast Launch: In September 2024, she debuted Talk Tuah, a podcast produced by Jake Paul’s Betr Media, featuring guests like Wiz Khalifa and Mark Cuban.
Despite the fun, not everyone was happy. The original interviewers, Tim & Dee TV, felt they deserved more credit for her rise, filing multiple copyright claims against reposted videos.
Hailey Welch’s Podcast: Talk Tuah
Launched in September 2024, Talk Tuah became a platform for Welch to expand her brand beyond the meme. The show featured a mix of comedy, interviews, and personal stories, with high-profile guests like Whitney Cummings, JoJo Siwa, and even Mark Cuban.
Notable Episodes:
| Episode | Guest | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whitney Cummings | Discussed viral fame & comedy |
| 5 | JoJo Siwa | Talked about internet culture |
| 12 | Mark Cuban | Debated business & meme coins |
The podcast faced some controversy, including fake news about Donald Trump canceling an appearance and satirical spin-offs like Talking Talk Tuah, which reviewed Welch’s episodes humorously.
The Meme Coin Scandal
In December 2024, Welch ventured into cryptocurrency with HAWKtoken∗∗,aSolana−basedmemecoin.Initially,itskyrocketedtoa∗∗HAWKtoken∗∗,aSolana−basedmemecoin.Initially,itskyrocketedtoa∗∗500 million market cap, but within hours, it crashed by 95%, leaving investors furious.
What Went Wrong?
- Pump-and-Dump Allegations: Critics, including crypto investigator Coffeezilla, accused Welch’s team of insider trading.
- SEC Complaint: At least one investor filed a complaint, leading to a lawsuit against the coin’s creators.
- Welch’s Response: She denied involvement in fraud, stating she was cooperating with legal investigations.
This scandal temporarily derailed Welch’s career, causing her to step back from social media in early 2025.
Where Is Hailey Welch Now?
After months of silence, Welch returned in March 2025 with a humorous Instagram skit addressing rumors—joking about pregnancy, prison, and even her “death.”
What’s Next for Hawk Tuah Girl?
- DocTuah Documentary: Announced in 2025, this film will explore her rise to fame.
- Possible Comeback: With her podcast and merch still active, Welch may rebuild her brand post-crypto drama.
FAQs About Hailey Welch
1. How old is Hailey Welch?
She was born in 2002 or 2003, making her 21-22 years old as of 2025.
2. What is Hailey Welch’s net worth?
Estimates suggest $100K+, mainly from merch, sponsorships, and her podcast.
3. What does “hawk tuah” mean?
It’s an onomatopoeic phrase referring to a specific intimate act, which Welch explained in her viral interview.
4. Is the $HAWK coin a scam?
While Welch denies wrongdoing, the coin’s crash led to lawsuits and SEC scrutiny.
5. Will Hailey Welch return to social media?
She made a comeback in March 2025 and seems to be easing back into the public eye.
Conclusion
Hailey Welch’s journey from a factory worker to an internet icon is a modern-day viral tale. While her “Hawk Tuah” moment brought fame, it also came with challenges—copyright battles, meme coin drama, and public scrutiny. Whether she bounces back fully remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: Hawk Tuah Girl left an unforgettable mark on internet culture.
