Hailey Welch Cooperating in HAWK Token Lawsuit After Allegations of Fraud

Hailey Welch, widely known as the viral “Hawk Tuah” TikTok sensation, broke her silence Friday regarding the implosion of the HAWK crypto token, which left investors grappling with significant losses earlier this month.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Welch pledged to “fully cooperate” with attorneys representing those affected and emphasized her commitment to uncovering the truth.

“I take this situation extremely seriously,” Welch wrote, urging victims to contact Burwick Law, the firm spearheading a lawsuit against the creators of HAWK coin.

HAWK token, a memecoin built on the Solana blockchain, met a swift and catastrophic downfall soon after its launch in early December. Blockchain analysts allege that insiders drained massive profits while leaving regular investors with heavy losses, sparking accusations of fraudulent practices.

Legal Action Against HAWK Creators

Burwick Law filed a lawsuit against the creators of HAWK, alleging securities violations and misuse of Welch’s internet fame to market an unregistered investment.

“Integrity and justice are two of our core principles,” the law firm said in a statement. “Sadly, this is one of many memecoin cases where institutional greed has exploited celebrities and their influence to harm everyday people.”

The lawsuit claims Welch’s brand and viral “Hawk Tuah” persona were instrumental in marketing the token. Welch reportedly received a flat fee for lending her likeness to the project but had no direct involvement in its operations or financial promises.

Welch’s Fallout

The controversy has cast a shadow over Welch’s rising career, which was gaining momentum through sponsorships, brand partnerships, and licensing deals tied to her catchphrase. Welch had positioned herself as a low-tier celebrity leveraging her viral fame into mainstream success, but the HAWK coin scandal has disrupted her trajectory.

“This partnership was a fixed-fee agreement,” a press agency representing Welch stated in an unsolicited email to CoinDesk. “There was no guarantee she would make any additional money from the memecoin after.”

Despite distancing herself from the token’s alleged malfeasance, Welch has faced public scrutiny, with some accusing her of being complicit in promoting a flawed project.

A Broader Issue in the Crypto Space

The HAWK debacle is the latest in a string of controversies surrounding celebrity-endorsed cryptocurrencies. These cases highlight the risks of pairing influencer culture with speculative financial products, particularly unregulated digital assets like memecoins.

As Welch seeks to restore her reputation and assist affected investors, the lawsuit against HAWK’s creators promises to shed light on the practices that led to the token’s rapid collapse. Whether Welch’s cooperation will help her salvage her public image or deepen the legal quagmire remains to be seen.