Haliey Welch, a UK-based podcaster and social media personality, has recently opened up about the tumultuous events surrounding her involvement in a cryptocurrency scandal that unfolded in December 2024. The creator of the viral phrase “Hawk Tuah,” which gained prominence in June 2024, launched the crypto meme coin $HAWK on December 4. However, the coin’s value plummeted dramatically within just 24 hours, prompting widespread allegations that it was a scam and leading to her entanglement in a legal investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
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In a recent interview with Andrew Callaghan on Channel 5, Welch reflected on how the scandal affected her personally and professionally. Following the launch of $HAWK, Welch noticed that those involved with the coin were behaving unusually. She described one individual as “pacing around” and expressing anxiety over the launch’s progress. Although she was initially focused on her podcasting work, she later sensed growing concern among her peers.
The fallout from the $HAWK launch resulted in serious allegations against its creators, who faced accusations from investors regarding the improper promotion and sale of the cryptocurrency. Reports indicate that the SEC’s investigation was focused on Welch’s associates, who were alleged to have sold the coin without appropriate registration. Notably, Welch herself was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, which outlined the legal troubles facing others involved in the project.
Welch consistently maintained that she was cooperating fully with legal representatives of those adversely affected by the coin’s collapse. Her lawyer, James Sallah, eventually confirmed that the SEC investigation concluded without any findings against her, allowing her the freedom to engage in future activities related to cryptocurrency and securities without restrictions.
Despite being cleared of wrongdoing, Welch described the ordeal as profoundly distressing. “It’s enough to traumatize you,” she stated, revealing that the experience led her to isolate herself for an extended period. She noted that the scandal was far more harrowing than her initial rise to fame, particularly due to the influx of death threats she began receiving.
The development of the $HAWK coin ignited a wave of negative attention directed at Welch. She recounted the moment she became aware of her association with the potentially damaging project, recalling the shock of seeing comments claiming she could face jail time. “I was like, ‘What did I do? Why am I going to jail?'” she remarked, underscoring the overwhelming pressure she felt at the time.
This scandal not only impacted her public perception but also led to the hiatus of her podcast, Talk Tuah, which she paused following the controversy. After several months away from the microphone, she returned to hosting the show in April 2025, keen to regain her footing in the media landscape.
Welch’s experience serves as a cautionary reminder of the risks involved in the cryptocurrency space, particularly for individuals who may not fully understand the complexities at play. “In my perspective, I’d say that I got talked into doing something that I didn’t know anything about, really,” she admitted, emphasising the importance of being cautious about the projects one associates with.
As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, Haliey Welch now stands as an example of the potential pitfalls that can arise from participating in it. Her story highlights a significant aspect of the digital economy—while opportunities can be fruitful, the consequences of mismanagement or misunderstanding can be severe. As she moves forward, Welch’s resilience and determination to learn from her experiences will likely play a crucial role in her future endeavours, both in media and beyond.