In a surprising turn of events, Haliey Welch, the internet celebrity known for her viral phrase "spit on that thang," has resurfaced to address the public following the dramatic collapse of her cryptocurrency venture. Initially propelled to fame in 2023, Welch leveraged her online stardom into various business opportunities, including brand endorsements and a podcast. However, her foray into cryptocurrency with the launch of the $HAWK token in late 2024 led to a significant financial fallout, resulting in accusations of a pump-and-dump scheme and substantial losses for investors. Despite the controversy, Welch's recent reappearance offers a glimpse into her reflections on the incident and hints at her future plans.
In the vibrant autumn of 2023, Haliey Welch became an overnight sensation with her memorable catchphrase, which quickly spread across social media platforms. This newfound fame opened doors to lucrative opportunities, culminating in the launch of the $HAWK token in late 2024. Marketed as a revolutionary long-term investment, the token initially soared to a valuation of $490 million. However, this success was fleeting, as the token's value plummeted by over 90%, wiping out millions in investor funds. The rapid decline sparked accusations of a fraudulent pump-and-dump scheme, leading Welch to withdraw from social media.
Welch recently reappeared in a leaked podcast episode hosted by FaZe Clan founder Banks. During the conversation, she expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that she never intended for investors to suffer financial losses. She revealed that the idea for the cryptocurrency was introduced to her by a "friend of a friend" and emphasized her lack of experience in the crypto market. Welch also admitted to noticing warning signs regarding the individual managing the project but failed to act on her suspicions. Her boyfriend, Kelby ‘Pookie’ Blackwell, humorously recounted his personal loss, highlighting how the collapse impacted not just large-scale investors but also those close to Welch.
The controversy surrounding the $HAWK token has shifted public perception of Welch from a carefree internet personality to a figure associated with financial scandal. Despite the backlash, Welch appears determined to move forward, addressing the controversy head-on and reflecting on the lessons learned from this tumultuous period.
From a journalistic perspective, Welch's story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of leveraging sudden internet fame for financial ventures. It underscores the importance of due diligence and expertise when entering volatile markets like cryptocurrency. While the road to rebuilding her reputation may be challenging, Welch's willingness to confront the issue openly suggests a desire to learn from past mistakes and forge a new path forward.