Haliey Welch, widely known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” is stepping back into the spotlight with a brand-new season of her podcast, Talk Tuah, after a hiatus that followed months of scrutiny over her involvement in a meme cryptocurrency. The social media star, who shot to viral fame in 2024 for her comedic persona and unfiltered commentary, had paused public appearances during a formal SEC inquiry into her branded meme coin, $HAWK. Now, with the investigation closed and no wrongdoing found, Welch is ready to reclaim her platform and expand her presence in media and entertainment.
The announcement of Talk Tuah‘s return coincides with the development of a new documentary chronicling Welch’s rise from viral clips to a full-fledged media brand. The podcast, scheduled to relaunch on April 8, 2025, signals a new chapter in Welch’s career—one grounded in both controversy and redemption.
A Meteoric Rise and Meme Coin Chaos
Welch gained internet fame for her unique humor and brash delivery, quickly amassing millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram. Her signature catchphrases, bold commentary, and no-holds-barred style turned her into a cultural phenomenon, especially among Gen Z audiences.
In late 2024, Welch entered the world of cryptocurrency by launching $HAWK, a meme coin named after her viral nickname. Within hours, fans and traders bought into the token, pushing its market cap to over $5 million in just one day. Welch promoted $HAWK as a community token meant for “fun and rewards,” without presenting it as an investment.
However, the rapid rise of the token drew criticism and regulatory attention. Critics accused Welch of taking advantage of her audience and potentially running a pump-and-dump scheme. Investors who bought at the top suffered losses when the coin’s value fell just days after launch.
This led to an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Welch chose to pause all cryptocurrency involvement and suspended her podcast, YouTube uploads, and brand collaborations while legal experts reviewed her case.
SEC Clears Welch of Wrongdoing
After months of inquiry, the SEC concluded that Welch did not violate any securities laws. The investigation revealed no intent to defraud investors, no insider sell-offs, and no misleading marketing. Welch had clearly labeled $HAWK as a meme coin with no guaranteed value, and she made no financial promises.
Her legal team released a statement confirming the closure of the case and emphasized Welch’s full cooperation with regulators. The SEC, according to insiders, wanted to send a broader message to influencers involved in crypto—urging transparency and caution—but found no reason to pursue Welch further.
This legal clearance has now opened the door for Welch to re-enter public life and reclaim her role in digital entertainment.
The Return of Talk Tuah
Welch’s podcast, Talk Tuah, made waves before its hiatus for its free-form structure, comedic rants, and interviews with online personalities. The new season promises to be bigger and bolder, with an expanded guest list, polished production, and fresh topics that reflect both Welch’s personal growth and her commitment to authenticity.
She shared a teaser on Instagram, showing behind-the-scenes footage from the first few episodes. The vibe remains irreverent and playful, but there’s a newfound maturity in her tone. Welch appears more self-aware—still funny, still raw, but with sharper insights into fame, internet culture, and the pressures that come with influence.
Episode one, set to drop on April 8, will reportedly include a monologue addressing her crypto controversy, lessons learned, and a message to fans who stuck by her.
From TikTok to Television: A Documentary in the Works
Welch’s journey from meme queen to media mogul has caught the attention of Hollywood. Emmy-winning Bungalow Media + Entertainment has started developing a documentary that will chart Welch’s life, from small-town beginnings to viral fame, meme coin madness, and public redemption.
The project will feature interviews with friends, family, fellow creators, and legal experts. It aims to explore the phenomenon of internet fame and the thin line between viral success and backlash. The filmmakers want to use Welch’s story to shed light on broader issues—how digital culture shapes identity, how influencers navigate sudden wealth and attention, and how female creators often face harsher judgment in public scandals.
Welch has expressed excitement about the documentary, calling it “an honest look at a very weird ride.” She hopes it will help others understand the pressure of being both idolized and scrutinized online.
New Ventures and Business Moves
Welch is relaunching her personal media company, 16 Minutes, which manages her podcast, brand partnerships, and creative content. The company plans to roll out a new merchandise line, themed around her catchphrases and personal aesthetic. She’s also exploring new formats, including a live show tour and collaborations with other female creators.
Unlike many influencers who fade after controversy, Welch is embracing the moment to evolve. She has hired a full-time production team, PR advisors, and a legal counsel to handle future brand expansions. This professional infrastructure marks a shift from viral creator to structured media entrepreneur.
Welch also confirmed she will continue participating in the Web3 space—but with more legal safeguards, financial education, and transparency. She plans to release a mini-series on “Crypto for Creators,” breaking down how influencers can navigate blockchain without misleading their audience or violating regulations.
Fan Support Remains Strong
Despite the controversy, Welch’s fanbase has remained remarkably loyal. Her social media engagement remains high, with millions of views on even basic update posts. A significant portion of her community continues to support her return, praising her honesty during the SEC probe and her decision to stay quiet until clearing her name.
Fans have expressed anticipation for the podcast’s comeback and enthusiasm for her new ventures. Many appreciate Welch’s unapologetic attitude and her refusal to play victim during the crypto storm.
“She’s not perfect, and she never claimed to be,” one fan commented. “That’s why we love her—she owns her wins and her mistakes.”
Redefining Influencer Accountability
Welch’s story highlights a growing theme in the influencer economy: accountability doesn’t have to mean cancellation. By cooperating with regulators, owning up to the chaos, and building back smarter, Welch has rewritten the script for how public figures can recover after a misstep.
She didn’t double down or disappear. Instead, she paused, listened, learned, and returned with a renewed vision. In a digital world filled with short attention spans and long memories, that kind of authenticity stands out.
Final Thoughts
Haliey Welch’s return with Talk Tuah signals more than a podcast revival. It reflects the resilience of a creator who turned a viral moment into a business, a controversy into a comeback, and criticism into clarity.
Her fans, her brand, and even her future now stand on stronger ground—built not just on humor and hype, but on experience, reinvention, and bold, unapologetic honesty.
With a podcast relaunch, a documentary in production, and a sharper media strategy, Welch is proving that digital fame may be unpredictable—but those who adapt, survive, and grow always get the last word.