Hawk Tuah Girl vs. SEC: How She Survived a $490M $HAWK Crypto Scandal

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officially dropped all charges against Hailey Welch, the famous Hawk Tuah girl. This action followed the agency’s investigation into the $HAWK token’s collapse. The regulatory body determined that she was not responsible for the currency’s sharp increase and subsequent fall, which brought considerable relief to Welch and her supporters.

$HAWK initially soared toward a $490 million market valuation. However, its value subsequently plummeted by over ninety percent, causing significant financial harm to many investors. This situation triggered legal actions and regulatory attention concerning Welch’s possible involvement. Nevertheless, she cooperated fully with officials during the months-long process. Consequently, Welch faces no official sanctions or penalties, freeing her to pursue future professional goals.

The Hailey Welch SEC Investigation and Findings

The SEC launched an inquiry regarding the $HAWK token following its quick rise and fall. This probe focused on whether its promotion and sale violated financial regulations. Investors claimed the asset lacked proper registration, alleging that misleading marketing tactics influenced buyers negatively. The official review sought to uncover Welch’s potential involvement in promotional efforts that possibly contributed to the currency’s collapse.

Despite initial concerns, regulators uncovered no proof of misconduct. Welch’s legal counsel, James Sallah, confirmed that the SEC concluded its case without findings against her. This means Welch avoids financial penalties or future limitations on her financial dealings, reinforcing her assertion that she was not responsible for the asset’s ultimate failure.

The Rise and Fall of $HAWK

December 2024 marked the launch of the $HAWK token, capitalising on the Hawk Tuah girl’s internet fame to draw participants. This crypto asset experienced an extremely rapid rise, and its market valuation approached half a billion dollars within days. However, this excitement proved temporary because the currency’s worth plummeted quickly hours later. The sudden crash wiped out millions in investor funds and sparked legal challenges.

Chart 1 – Published on CoinMarketCap, March 29, 2025.

Resulting legal actions primarily targeted overHere Ltd., the entity launching the digital asset, and its founder Clinton So. Market participants accused the firm of failing to properly register the cryptocurrency and misleading buyers through aggressive marketing. Although Welch’s name was linked to the token’s publicity, the regulators’ conclusions confirmed she played no part in its management or financial dealings.

Hailey Welch’s Next Chapter

With the regulatory investigation concluded, Welch redirects her attention away from the digital currency space. She publicly stated she is “done” with memecoins and severed all connections with the LLC that managed $HAWK. Welch now focuses on new opportunities within the media and entertainment sectors instead. She plans to use her unique background to highlight dangers associated with viral crypto projects.

Currently, Welch is developing a documentary focused on the $HAWK asset’s path. This project aims to provide a deeper understanding of memecoin mechanics and their impact on investors. Additionally, she started a podcast titled “Talk Tuah,” where she shares personal experiences and discusses broader issues within the digital economy. Her dedication to openness and holding parties accountable has earned a positive public reception.

Moving Forward After the Crypto Controversy

After the conclusion of the Hailey Welch SEC case, the Hawk Tuah girl is eager to rebuild her reputation. She also wants to focus on pursuing her passions. The public dispute involving the $HAWK digital asset served as an informative episode for her. Welch intends to use her public presence to educate people about potential risks linked to memecoin investments.

Although she has distanced herself from the crypto sector, Welch maintains her commitment to helping individuals negatively impacted by $ HAWK’s collapse. She promised to help with uncovering factual details surrounding its downfall. She also aims to ensure accountability for those who deceived investors. With new projects developing soon, Welch moves beyond this period, embracing emerging possibilities within media and public advocacy efforts.