Latest news with #HawkTuah
Fast Company
20-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
What the 'Trump effect' teaches us about crypto hype
The last six months have been a strange, exhilarating time for crypto. First, there was the so-called 'Trump effect'—a surge in crypto prices and on-chain activity triggered by the then president-elect's vocal support of crypto. Then came the viral 'Hawk Tuah' meme, which somehow alchemized into a crypto memecoin that rocketed in value, pulled headlines, and emptied wallets in equal measure. For many first-time crypto users, these moments were their gateway into the blockchain. Wallets were downloaded. Tokens were swapped. Twitter (now X) feeds were flooded with strange new lingo: HODL, degen, DYOR. It was a wild ride. For most newcomers, the experience probably felt like trying to join a conversation in a foreign language while riding a rollercoaster. As the leader of a nonprofit dedicated to educating everyday Americans about crypto, I welcome this influx of interest. Crypto, at its best, can democratize financial access, create transparency, and offer new tools for digital empowerment. But hype cycles also bring risk: not just of financial loss, but of alienation and misunderstanding. It's time we decouple the signal from the noise. Crypto isn't just for bros—and it never was Let's start by busting one of crypto's most persistent stereotypes: that it's just for young, wealthy finance bros chasing dreams of Lamborghini sports cars (aka 'Lambos') and going 'to the moon.' Sure, that subculture exists—just like it does in day trading and sports betting. But crypto's roots are far more diverse. Earlier this year, we conducted one of the largest-ever studies of crypto holders in America. We found that almost one third (31%) are women, and more are over the age of 55 (15%) than under 25 (11%). Nearly as many crypto users work in construction (12%) as do in technology (14%)—far more than those working in finance (7%)—and many do not belong to higher income brackets, with roughly a quarter (26%) of crypto-owning households earning less than $75,000/year. The stereotype is outdated and, frankly, dangerous. It discourages thoughtful newcomers from participating and lets bad actors hide behind a smokescreen of memes and cartoonish masculinity. The future of crypto will be shaped by everyday Americans, not caricatures. Decode the lingo, stay for the mission Don't let the lingo intimidate you. You don't need to speak 'crypto' fluently to participate—just like you don't need to know what 'https' means to send an email. But to new users feeling overwhelmed by the language of crypto, here's a quick translation guide to get started: HODL: Originally a typo for 'hold,' it means holding on to your crypto for dear life and resisting the urge to sell in volatile markets. It's become a philosophy for long-term belief in a project's value. Degen: Short for 'degenerate,' it describes high-risk traders chasing fast gains in often unvetted projects. It's part joke, part warning. Memecoin: A token built around a joke or cultural moment like Dogecoin or the recent Hawk Tuah coin. Some are created in jest, others are tapping into legitimate community-driven goals. Think of these as digital collectibles, like Pokemon cards. Tips for crypto newbies Start small, stay curious: The best way to learn is by doing. Treat your first crypto transaction like your first gym session—you're here to learn the ropes, not break a record. Use reputable platforms: Avoid buying coins just because they're trending on TikTok. Stick to exchanges and wallets with strong reputations, transparent policies, and educational resources. Do your own research: Known as 'DYOR' in the crypto world, do your own research and lean on trusted sources. Unfortunately like any industry, there is risk of scams or fraud with crypto. Rule of thumb: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Beyond the buzz Crypto's potential isn't defined by celebrity endorsements or trending memes. It lies in what happens beyond the hype: freedom to exchange value directly, without back-office delays or middlemen taking control. Transparent governance and extra layers of privacy. True ownership and accessibility of your digital identity and assets. Regardless of what piqued your interest in crypto or when, welcome. You're right on time. The memes may fade, but crypto's promise is here to stay.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
‘Hawk Tuah' Creator Haliey Welch Says FBI Approached Her Over Failed Crypto Launch
Haliey Welch, the internet creator best known for her viral 'hawk tuah' meme, addressed her controversial failed cryptocurrency coin launch for the first time on an episode of her 'Talk Tuah' podcast Tuesday, stating the FBI and SEC both approached her to investigate after the value of her coin inflated and immediately crashed, though she denied wrongdoing. Welch denied responsibility in the sudden crash of her Hawk Tuah coin and denied she intended to scam her followers, stating she 'trusted the wrong people.' Though she did not name names on the advice of her lawyers, Welch said she launched the coin because she was approached by an unnamed cryptocurrency company, which offered her a deal to launch her own coin, though Welch admitted she knew little about cryptocurrency at the time. Welch said her profile on X was managed by the cryptocurrency company, which gave her lines to say, which she would take videos of herself reading. Once the Hawk Tuah coin crashed in December after reaching a high of $500 million in market capitalization value, Welch said the FBI knocked on the door of her grandmother's house, asked Welch questions and investigated her phone, after which Welch said the investigation was picked up by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which she says also examined her phone. Welch said the agencies cleared her of wrongdoing, and she said she was not named in any lawsuits in the aftermath of the coin crash. Welch said she did not profit off of her Hawk Tuah coin, stating the only money she made was a marketing fee from the company she partnered with, though that money was used for lawyers and crisis public relations management after the value of the coin crashed. Welch announced the launch of her Hawk Tuah coin ($HAWK) in December, which was widely viewed as a 'memecoin,' a cryptocurrency that is created for entertainment purposes and is inspired by an internet trend. Memecoins are typically considered more volatile and are risky investments because they depend on short-lived internet memes. Within one day of the coin's launch, $HAWK plummeted from a $500 million value to $25 million, leading to accusations—which Welch has denied—that the coin was launched as a 'pump and dump' scheme, in which the value of a crypto asset is quickly inflated and then sold off. Some crypto influencers slammed Welch over the launch, including Coffeezilla, a crypto YouTuber with more than 4 million followers, who said in an X space conversation with Welch and her team that the Hawk Tuah rollout was 'one of the most miserable, horrible launches I've ever seen.' He accused Welch and her team of insider trading, which they denied. Welch rose to fame last summer as the creator of a viral catchphrase: 'Hawk Tuah,' a euphemism for oral sex. Welch used the phrase in response to a man-on-the-street TikTok interviewer, who asked her what 'move in bed makes a man go crazy.' The TikTok went viral, and Welch was quick to capitalize on its success. She launched a merchandise line inspired by the phrase and curated a popular social media presence, in which she fraternized with celebrities. She made high-profile public appearances, throwing out the first pitch at a New York Mets game in August and was parodied on Saturday Night Live. She launched her 'Talk Tuah' podcast in September, attracting guests including billionaire Mark Cuban, Wiz Khalifa and JoJo Siwa. The podcast was a surprise success, and in February, market research firm Edison Research said 'Talk Tuah' was the No. 1 new podcast of 2024 measured by weekly audience numbers. Welch's podcast went on a months-long hiatus following her crypto chaos, during which time she did not post on social media. 'Hawk Tuah' Creator Haliey Welch Criticized For Memecoin Launch After Price Crashes (Forbes) The 'Hawk Tuah' Creator's Podcast Ranks No. 5 On Spotify—Here's How She Kept The Meme Going For Months (Forbes)
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Haliey Welch Gets the Last Laugh as SEC Drops All Crypto Charges
Haliey Welch, better known as the viral sensation behind the 'Hawk Tuah' meme, has officially escaped any legal consequences following an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) into her controversial cryptocurrency token, $HAWK. TMZ first reported that the SEC has concluded its probe and will not be pursuing any charges or monetary sanctions against Welch. That means she walks away completely clean: no fines, no legal restrictions, and nothing stopping her from diving back into the crypto world if she wants to. Her attorney, James Sallah, confirmed the news, stating: 'The SEC closed the investigation without making any findings against, or seeking any monetary sanctions from, Haliey. Because they did not bring any action against her, there are no restrictions on what she can do in regards to crypto or securities in the future.' For someone who just months ago was at the center of a massive financial scandal, this is a wild turn of events. Welch shot to internet fame after a clip of her saying 'Hawk Tuah' in an exaggerated Southern accent went viral. The phrase became a full-blown cultural phenomenon, turning Welch into a sought-after influencer overnight. Brands rushed to cash in on her moment, and soon, she found herself at the center of one of the biggest crypto launches of 2024. The $HAWK token debuted in December and exploded in value almost instantly. Within days, its market capitalization soared to nearly $500 million. Early investors thought they had struck gold. Social media was ablaze with hype, and Welch was riding the high. But then, just as quickly as it rose, the token collapsed. Its value plummeted, leaving thousands of investors with massive losses and sparking accusations of a pump-and-dump scheme. That's when the SEC stepped in, launching an investigation into whether Welch had played a role in manipulating the market. For months, speculation swirled. Was Welch just a face for the project, or was she actively involved in a financial scheme? Crypto watchdogs dissected her social media posts, critics demanded accountability, and some investors even threatened legal action. But through it all, Welch never wavered in her innocence. She maintained that she had no ill intent and that she had simply been caught up in the chaotic nature of the cryptocurrency market. And now, with the SEC officially closing its investigation without any findings against her, Welch is completely in the clear. Despite the controversy, Welch remains a social media force. Her following is still massive, and if anything, this scandal has only made her more infamous. But will she dive back into crypto? That remains to be seen. While her lawyer insists that she is free to participate in securities and digital assets, Welch may be hesitant to step back into such a volatile space. For now, she seems content to bask in the relief of dodging a major financial and legal nightmare. Whether she pivots to new business ventures, brand deals, or continues to ride the Hawk Tuah wave, one thing is certain: this won't be the last we hear of Haliey Welch. The post Haliey Welch Gets the Last Laugh as SEC Drops All Crypto Charges appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.
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Express Tribune
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Internet reacts to Hawk Tuah Girl's return following meme coin collapse: 'Scammed millions, dipped and came back for more'
Hailey Welch, widely known as the 'Hawk Tuah' girl, has returned to social media following her months-long hiatus after being caught in a crypto scandal involving her meme coin, $HAWK. The 22-year-old posted a new comedic video on Instagram this week, poking fun at the wild internet rumors about her absence, including theories about being pregnant, jailed, or completely vanished. Welch initially rose to fame in mid-2024 after going viral in a street-style interview where she made a suggestive noise that was dubbed 'Hawk Tuah.' Capitalizing on the viral fame, she launched the $HAWK meme coin on the Solana blockchain. But the digital currency quickly tanked, dropping from a $490 million valuation to just $29.1 million within 24 hours—sparking accusations of a pump-and-dump scheme. 'I was hoping that her 30 seconds of fame was over,' one X user wrote, while another slammed her comeback: 'So she thinks 3 months is all it takes for people to forget you stole from them?' Another post that summed up the frustration read, 'Scammed millions, dipped and came back for more.' I was hoping that her 30 seconds of fame was over. — Brad Willis (@bradfordwillis) March 26, 2025 So she thinks 3 months is all it takes for people to forget you stole them? — Yves (@Koffee_Yves) March 25, 2025 Scammed millions, dipped and came back for more 😭 — Unknown (@txffy838) March 25, 2025 Critics didn't hold back. 'This is what y'all get for making talentless people who have an entertaining personality famous,' said one user. 'They scam and don't get held accountable for it.' Others questioned whether she planned to repay those who lost money. 'So is she going to refund the people who lost money?' one asked, while another sarcastically added, 'Was expecting an apology video with a ukulele or an interpretive dance… forgot she doesn't have any form of talent like that.' So is she going to refund the people who lost money? — SUAREZ (@suayrez) March 25, 2025 Welch had initially claimed she was working with affected investors to resolve the matter, but soon went silent—ceasing all podcast uploads and disappearing from her accounts. Her sudden return with a skit, rather than an apology, has reignited criticism from across the internet. Amid the backlash, a documentary on Hailey's viral rise is reportedly in the works. Bungalow Media + Entertainment is producing the project, which CEO Bob Friedman described as 'both an inspiring and entertaining story of Hailey's journey, and a lens into what it means to navigate the risks and rewards that come with living in the public's eye.' Whether the internet forgives Welch remains uncertain, but it's clear her return has stirred up more controversy than celebration.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Missouri's list of rejected 2024 license plates
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The state of Missouri rejected nearly 400 requests for personalized license plates in 2024. According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, the plates were rejected on the grounds of being obscene or profane, violating RSMo 301.144.3 and 12 C.S.R 10-23.185. Profanity is strictly prohibited, and combinations of letters and numbers designed to look like profanity are also not allowed. Missouri's regulations also advise against personalized license plates that are contemptuous of racial or ethnic groups or would pose an unreasonable danger to public safety. To acquire a personalized license plate in Missouri, also known as vanity plate, one must complete and submit an application form, pay an application fee, and pay a $15 annual fee to renew the plates if approved. FOX 2 recently filed an open records request to obtain a full list of rejected license plates in Missouri last year. There were 379 in total. DISCLAIMER: Viewer discretion is advised for the remainder of this story. The following is for mature audiences and may contain potentially strong or inappropriate language. FOX 2 has modified some parts of requested plates in a list provided below with an asterisk. There were 14 rejected license plates that appeared to be going for some variation of the expression 'Hawk Tuah,' part of a viral Internet meme in the middle of the year. The earliest of these requests came on July 3, 2024, with applicants seeking plates such as 'HWK2A,' 'HWK2UA' and 'HWKTWA.' These were a few with fairly obvious translations of terms or phrases that pushed boundaries: MURDR (Application date: 1/8/2024) OHFUDG (1/19/2024) B3AV3R (1/19/2024) LSD100 (2/8/2024) P0ACHR (3/13/2024) G0TP00 (3/13/2024) BUMPNN (3/13/2024) S4LTYB (3/13/2024) SPANKT (3/18/2024) 4SSMAN (4/25/2024) MTBALZ (4/30/2024) MDLFGR (8/14/2024) BADDAZ (9/16/204) There were dozens of license plates that used some variation of a well-known four-letter curse word, some requesting plates that possibly aimed to send messages about 401Ks (*401K), taxes (F*TAXS) and Mizzou's rival Kansas University (F***KU). Several attempts to connect that same curse word with 46th U.S. President Joe Biden were also rejected. For a full list of rejected license plates in Missouri, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
