Haliey Welch claims her HAWK token isn't a cash grab, but is it really?

In the United States, on a Wednesday, Haliey Welch, who gained notoriety as the "Hawk Tuah girl," introduced her own cryptocurrency token known as HAWK. This announcement coincided with a revealing interview she conducted with Fortune, where she dismissed concerns about the project being a mere scam. Welch’s manager, however, diverted questions regarding the legalities of launching such a token, indicating that they were cautious about securities laws. Shortly after the release of the token, it appeared to follow a trend commonly associated with pump-and-dump schemes, where the majority of tokens were quickly sold off by early investors. As the weeks progressed, Welch's personal brand began to blossom. Within the span of a month, she effectively capitalized on this significant moment of internet exposure, establishing herself as a public figure. Her activities included selling branded T-shirts, signing with management, and participating in interviews aimed at boosting her visibility. She even made an appearance with country music star Zach Bryan and threw the first pitch at a New York Mets game. This rapid ascent to fame highlights how the dynamics of social media have transformed, with influencers now able to leverage brief moments of attention into sustained public careers. There is a broader context to Welch’s rise, reflective of a shift in societal attitudes toward fame and monetization of attention. Once perceived as an easy path to exploitative practices, the online sphere has now fully embraced the "bag-chasing" mentality, where individuals prioritize monetary gains potentially at the expense of authenticity. The success story of Welch can be seen against the backdrop of changing media landscapes, largely influenced by the rapid decline of traditional outlets and a surge in new media platforms that prioritize viewer engagement and profitability. In her Fortune interview, Welch admitted that she previously viewed cryptocurrencies in a negative light, equating them with scams. However, her perspective changed after attending cryptocurrency conferences, indicating that her role shifted from being a victim of such schemes to a participant in an evolving market. This evolution underscores a larger conversation regarding the morality and legality of cryptocurrency investments, particularly as influencers and public figures increasingly partake in potentially profitable ventures that could take advantage of less informed investors.