Haliey Welch, the internet personality behind the controversial $HAWK coin, has spoken out for the first time since the cryptocurrency’s stunning 95% crash. With investors reeling from the drastic drop, Welch is vowing to uncover the truth behind the catastrophic collapse.
A $500M Dream Turned to $25M Nightmare
Just a few weeks ago, Welch’s $HAWK token was riding high. When it launched on the Solana blockchain, the cryptocurrency had a market cap of $500 million. The token quickly gained traction among investors, who were eager to capitalize on its meme coin potential. But just as rapidly as it rose, $HAWK began its descent into turmoil.
Within days, the value plummeted by a staggering 95%, leaving investors scrambling to understand what went wrong. Today, $HAWK’s market cap hovers at a mere $25 million, a shadow of its former self. The dramatic crash has sparked outrage and accusations from investors, many of whom allege that the entire project was a setup for a “pump-and-dump” scheme. Insiders, they claim, manipulated the coin’s price before cashing out at its peak, leaving everyday investors with nothing.
The Lawsuit and the Allegations
The situation took a darker turn when a lawsuit was filed, implicating OverHere Ltd. and its executive Clinton So, along with LA-based promoter Alex Larson Schultz. These individuals and entities are accused of mishandling the launch and sale of the $HAWK token. However, Haliey Welch has made it clear that she is not named as a defendant in the case.
According to the lawsuit, the creators of $HAWK, including those mentioned above, allegedly failed to register the coin’s promotion and sale properly, violating securities laws in the process. The lawsuit also highlights the role of the Tuah The Moon Foundation, which allegedly mismanaged the funds from the token’s sale.
A court ruling on December 19 further intensified the fallout, confirming that the promotion and sale of the cryptocurrency was illegal. The lawsuit also claims that the creators of the coin intentionally inflated its value, misled investors, and sold large quantities to insiders.
Despite these serious accusations, Welch has not been directly linked to the fraud. She maintains that her role was limited to promoting the coin, and she was not involved in its internal operations. Still, her lack of involvement in the launch process has done little to quell the anger of investors.
The Moment of Silence—and the Return
For nearly two weeks, Welch remained silent amid the growing controversy. Her social media accounts went dormant, leaving her millions of followers in the dark about her stance on the matter. The only glimpse into her thoughts came from a public Spaces stream on December 5, where she briefly addressed the issue before abruptly cutting off the conversation. Her excuse? “I’m going to bed.”
This lack of communication only fueled speculation about Welch’s role in the collapse. Critics were quick to point out that the influencer’s silence was uncharacteristic of someone who had built their fame on an online persona defined by openness and accessibility.
Finally, on Friday morning, Welch broke her silence with a statement on Twitter. In her post, she vowed to cooperate fully with legal representatives to ensure that accountability is brought to those responsible for the crash. Welch acknowledged the pain and frustration that investors were feeling and committed to seeking resolution. She also encouraged affected investors to contact Burwick Law for assistance.
“I take this situation very seriously,” Welch said in her statement. “I’m working hard to uncover the truth and hold the right people accountable.”
While her pledge to cooperate with legal efforts is encouraging, many investors remain skeptical. Her sudden return to the public eye after such a long absence raises more questions than answers. Was her silence a strategic move to avoid further scrutiny, or was it an indication of a deeper involvement in the debacle?
The Future of Haliey Welch and $HAWK
The fallout from the $HAWK crash has cast a shadow over Welch’s otherwise successful career. Prior to the cryptocurrency disaster, Welch had built a substantial following as an internet influencer. She was known for her viral TikToks, Instagram posts, and podcast appearances, all of which showcased her Southern charm and entrepreneurial spirit.
But now, with the cryptocurrency fiasco hanging over her, Welch’s reputation is on the line. The failure of $HAWK could prove to be a cautionary tale for anyone involved in the volatile world of cryptocurrency. Investors, who once trusted Welch to lead them to financial success, are now questioning her judgment and the integrity of her business ventures.
While Welch has promised to help uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable, the damage to her reputation may already be done. For some, the trust is gone, and no amount of public statements can undo the harm caused.
For others, however, Welch’s commitment to accountability might be enough to restore some faith in her. After all, the cryptocurrency market is known for its ups and downs, and many are willing to give her the benefit of the doubt if she can provide some clarity about what happened behind the scenes.
As of now, Welch’s Instagram account remains inactive, and her podcast posts have all but stopped. Whether she can regain her followers’ trust—and if she can successfully navigate the ongoing legal challenges—remains to be seen.