Haliey Welch, the Hawk Tuah girl, speaks out about $Hawk meme coin ‘rug pull’ allegations

Investors have filed a class-action lawsuit claiming the crypto initiative, launched in early December, resulted in significant financial losses

Haliey Welch, known for her viral "Hawk Tuah" videos, has addressed allegations of a "rug pull" surrounding the $Hawk meme coin project for the first time. Investors have filed a class-action lawsuit, alleging that the crypto initiative, launched in early December, resulted in substantial financial losses due to alleged misconduct by its promoters.

In a statement posted to Twitter/X on December 20, Welch expressed her commitment to addressing the fallout.

"I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community," Welch wrote. “I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted, as well as to help uncover the truth, hold the responsible parties accountable, and resolve this matter.”

I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community. I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted, as well as to help uncover the…

Welch also provided a link for affected investors to connect with the law firms handling the lawsuit.

The controversy stems from accusations that the project's creators and promoters, including Alex Larson Schultz, sold off significant portions of their holdings, causing the coin’s value to plummet. Investors have alleged that the scheme was designed to exploit Welch’s viral popularity.

A spokesperson for Welch clarified her limited involvement, stating she had no control over the project and was merely paid an initial sponsorship fee. "The people behind the project sought to capitalize on her success,” they said.

Despite the turmoil, Welch plans to continue hosting her podcast, Talk Tuah with Haliey Welch, while working to clear her name and assist those affected.