Haliey Welch, the viral sensation known for her off-color catchphrase “Hawk tuah,” has launched a memecoin called HAWK on the Solana blockchain. Despite the potential for quick profit and wild speculation, Welch insists her new venture is not just a “cash grab.”
Welch, who became famous this summer after a TikTok video that garnered millions of views, has turned her newfound fame into a merchandise line, podcast, and even public appearances. Now, she is venturing into the world of cryptocurrency with HAWK, hoping to create a unique connection with her fans. In an interview with Fortune, Welch emphasized that her memecoin, unlike others that have ballooned in value only to crash soon after, is intended to provide a fun and engaging experience for her followers.
The world of memecoins—cryptocurrencies often based on internet memes and viral moments—has become a playground for internet communities on platforms like Telegram and Discord. These coins can spike in value overnight, attracting flocks of investors, only to crash shortly after. HAWK, however, is positioning itself as a different breed of memecoin, as Welch and her manager, Jonnie Forster, insist they are not encouraging people to buy the token. Instead, they plan to distribute free tokens to social media followers and fans who have bought Welch’s merchandise.
“We’re almost tokenizing Haliey’s fan base,” Forster told Fortune, while also noting that they are careful not to break securities laws. Welch, who admits to initially thinking of crypto as a scam, says her perspective changed after attending major crypto events, including the Bitcoin conference and Korea Blockchain Week. She revealed that celebrities like rapper Lil Pump introduced her to the crypto world, leading to her invitation to the crypto-powered Karate Combat league.
While Welch is adamant that HAWK is a way for her to connect with fans, questions remain about the long-term use of the coin. Although she has no clear benefits outlined for HAWK holders, Forster hinted that there may be more fan engagement opportunities in the future. Welch herself admitted that she sees the memecoin as a “fun way” for her fans to interact with her brand, rather than a financial gamble.
This approach contrasts with other celebrities who have faced legal troubles for promoting cryptocurrencies without proper disclosures. Both Kim Kardashian and Floyd Mayweather reached settlements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for failing to disclose payments for promoting tokens. While Welch claims she wasn’t aware of these legal battles, she and Forster have taken steps to avoid similar pitfalls. Welch will hold 10% of the token supply but won’t be allowed to sell any of it for a year, a move designed to show their commitment to the project beyond just its financial potential.
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Memecoins, which have exploded in popularity as a form of social gambling, have drawn criticism from some crypto industry experts. Eddy Lazzarin, the chief technology officer at Andreessen Horowitz, described them as “casinos” that are undermining the long-term vision of cryptocurrency. Despite the controversy, Welch and Forster remain focused on creating a unique fan-driven experience through the HAWK token.
“It’s not about the valuation for me,” Welch said. “I think it’s just a fun way to get my fans to interact. It’s not a gambling thing.” Still, as Welch steps deeper into the volatile world of crypto, her venture will undoubtedly face scrutiny from regulators and investors alike.
Haliey Welch: From Viral Sensation to Crypto Entrepreneur with HAWK Memecoin
Haliey Welch is a viral internet sensation who gained widespread recognition for her off-color catchphrase “Hawk tuah.” Her rise to fame began with a TikTok video that went viral, captivating millions of viewers with its bold humor and memorable phrase. Welch’s online persona quickly transitioned into broader media success, including a merchandise line and a popular podcast featuring high-profile guests like Mark Cuban. Despite the controversy surrounding her catchphrase, she has leveraged her fame to expand her brand into various ventures, including her latest project—a memecoin called HAWK. Known for her distinctive Southern twang and bold personality, Welch continues to make waves in both the digital and entertainment worlds.
