Haliey Welch, widely recognized as the “Hawk Tuah” girl, has taken to Instagram to address her followers amidst her sudden rise to social media fame. Welch, who became an internet sensation following a viral NSFW man-on-the-street interview, has been navigating the highs and lows of her newfound celebrity status.
In a recent Instagram Reel, Welch shared some of the challenges she has faced, including dealing with imposter accounts and persistent inquiries about an OnlyFans account. “Stop asking me for the link in bio for my OnlyFans,” she stated firmly. “I don’t have an OnlyFans and there will never be an OnlyFans. I just make funny jokes. That’s all I do.”
Despite these challenges, Welch also highlighted some positive experiences. She recently overcame her stage fright with the help of musician Zach Bryan, performing in front of 80,000 people at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. “I sang in front of 80,000 people with Zach Bryan the other night,” she shared. “And I can’t sing for s—. But I did it anyway.”
Welch also mentioned that she quit her job at a bed spring factory, a detail she previously revealed during an interview on the Plan Bri Uncut podcast with Brianna LaPaglia. Welch’s rapid ascent to internet stardom began last month when she appeared in a video with TikTok creators Tim and Dee TV. In the clip, she was asked about “one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time,” to which she famously responded, “Oh, you gotta give him that ‘hawk tuah.'”
Reflecting on the moment, Welch explained during the podcast interview, “I was being a bit of a smart a– too, ’cause like you’re gonna come up to me with a microphone and ask me something like that? I [didn’t] mean nothing by it [at the time].”
Looking ahead, Welch has plans to move to Los Angeles, a decision she discussed during her interview with LaPaglia. Earlier this month, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Welch signed with management firm The Penthouse. However, she also plans to take action against counterfeit merchandise being made in her likeness. “I just hired a manager and I hired an attorney so we’re coming for you b—–. But don’t worry I’m launching my merch store,” she announced, holding up a “Hawk Tuah 24′” trucker hat.
Welch’s rise to fame has also caught the attention of notable figures, including Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal. The two were spotted together at an event last weekend, where O’Neal offered Welch advice on managing her newfound fame. According to TMZ, O’Neal advised Welch to surround herself with a “smart team” to help navigate her celebrity status and protect herself from potential exploitation. He also encouraged her to ignore hateful comments, noting that none of the critics actually know her.
A spokesperson for Welch told Page Six, “He was extremely gracious, personable, and caring, realizing Hailey was dealing with a lot of unnecessary hate,” adding that “She didn’t ask to be famous. Shaq is definitely part of the ‘Protecting the Hawk from the Vultures’ squad.”
Welch recently addressed her viral fame during her appearance on Barstool Sports’ podcast Plan Bri Uncut, where she clarified several misconceptions. She refuted rumors that she was a teacher who had been fired due to her viral remarks and reiterated her stance on not starting an OnlyFans account. “Stop asking me about the link in bio for my OnlyFans,” she stated on Instagram. “I don’t have an OnlyFans and there’ll never be an OnlyFans. I just make funny jokes, that’s all I do.”
As Welch continues to navigate her sudden rise to fame, she remains focused on her goals and is taking steps to protect her brand and image. With the support of her new management team and legal counsel, she is determined to make the most of her opportunities while staying true to herself.
Source: People, TMZ, Page Six
