Hailey Welch, known to many as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” has emerged from the shadows of last December’s HAWK memecoin debacle with startling claims of clearance from both the SEC and the FBI. Her recent comments, laid bare on her Talk Tuah podcast, paint a picture of a woman caught in the crossfire of crypto chaos—insisting she was merely a pawn in a game she didn’t quite grasp.
The Alleged Clearance
Welch, whose initial enthusiasm for the HAWK token was palpable, now distances herself from the project that soared to a $491 million market cap before plummeting disastrously. “They went through my phone, so they cleared me. I was good to go,” she declared, implying a level of vindication following scrutiny from regulatory authorities. Yet, the narrative of exoneration she spins raises more questions than it answers—particularly as she admits to feeling “sick” over the trust her fans placed in her.
A Tale of Two Narratives
In November 2024, Welch was the cheerleader for the HAWK token, celebrating meme culture and a newfound crypto fluency. Fast forward a few turbulent months, and she portrays herself as a naive participant, blindsided by the intricacies of the cryptosphere. “I wish we knew then what we know now,” Welch lamented, a sentiment that echoes the bewilderment of many who rode the memecoin wave only to be capsized. This sentiment is echoed in the broader trend of token failures, as detailed in Crypto token failures soar, with 1 in 4 launched since 2021 dying in Q1.
Her assertion that user losses cap at $180,000 stands in stark opposition to initial claims of $1.2 million. This figure conspicuously omits the potential losses held by 10,149 token holders who haven’t liquidated—an oversight not lost on her critics. “You should have never attached yourself to something you didn’t understand,” a disillusioned follower commented, echoing a sentiment that runs deep in the community.
Market Fallout and Regulatory Scrutiny
The HAWK token’s nosedive, now resting at a mere $104,000 market cap, serves as a cautionary tale of memecoin mania. It’s a stark reminder of the volatility that plagues this niche market, where fortunes fluctuate with dizzying speed. Welch’s insistence on regulatory clearance—while a relief to her—doesn’t absolve the broader concerns surrounding token transparency and investor education.
Analysts are divided on Welch’s role in the debacle. Crypto analyst Jordan Meyers noted, “The saga raises fundamental questions about influencer accountability in the crypto space. The allure of quick gains often overshadows due diligence.” This is reminiscent of other recent scandals, such as the Movement Labs Suspends Rushi Manche Amid Coinbase Delisting, Token-Dumping Scandal. However, not all are convinced of Welch’s innocence. “Being cleared isn’t the same as being responsible,” contended blockchain expert Lila Tran, suggesting that Welch’s narrative shift may be as much about preserving her reputation as it is about truth.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles, the crypto community is left grappling with the consequences of the HAWK fiasco. Welch’s case underscores the urgent need for clearer regulatory frameworks and investor safeguards in an industry still finding its feet. It’s a complex landscape where influencers wield significant sway—sometimes to the detriment of their audience.
While Welch may have emerged from the legal scrutiny unscathed, the reputational damage might be a harder fix. Her journey from crypto enthusiast to reluctant scapegoat signals a cautionary tale for both influencers and investors navigating the unpredictable waters of digital currencies. What remains to be seen is whether Welch—and others like her—will approach future ventures with the skepticism and knowledge this saga so painfully underscored.
Source
This article is based on: ‘Hawk Tuah Girl’ Hailey Welch Claims SEC, FBI Cleared Her for the HAWK Memecoin Disaster
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
