In an unexpected twist, Haliey 'Hawk Tuah' Welch has been added as a defendant in the class action lawsuit surrounding the controversial $HAWK meme coin, despite her earlier cooperation with the legal team representing investors. The viral internet personality, who promoted the Solana-based token before its dramatic collapse, initially appeared to be working with plaintiffs but now finds herself on the opposite side of the courtroom.
Haliey Welch, the internet sensation known as the 'Hawk Tuah Girl,' has been officially named as a defendant in the expanding class action lawsuit related to the $HAWK meme coin debacle, marking a significant reversal in her legal standing.
The development comes as a surprise to many observers, as Welch had initially cooperated with the law firm representing investors who suffered losses when the Solana-based meme coin crashed spectacularly shortly after its launch. Her addition to the lawsuit suggests that attorneys have uncovered evidence implicating her beyond mere promotional involvement.
The $HAWK token gained massive attention due to Welch's viral fame and her active promotion of the project. However, the cryptocurrency experienced a catastrophic collapse within hours of launching, with its value plummeting over 90% and wiping out millions of dollars in investor capital. Many participants alleged the token's launch exhibited characteristics of a "rug pull," a common crypto scam where developers abandon a project after extracting investor funds.
Legal experts suggest that Welch's transition from cooperating witness to defendant indicates the law firm may have determined she played a more substantial role in the token's creation, marketing, or operation than initially believed. This could include receiving undisclosed compensation, having insider knowledge of the project's mechanics, or making misleading statements to potential investors.
The case highlights the growing legal scrutiny surrounding celebrity and influencer involvement in cryptocurrency promotions. Regulators and courts have increasingly held promoters accountable for their roles in token launches, particularly when projects collapse and investors suffer significant losses.
Welch rose to viral fame through a street interview video and quickly capitalized on her internet popularity through various ventures. The $HAWK token represented her entry into the cryptocurrency space, but the project's failure has transformed her from a lighthearted internet personality into the center of serious legal proceedings.
The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for investors and could set important precedents for how influencer-promoted cryptocurrency projects are regulated and litigated. As the case progresses, it may reveal more details about the token's development and the extent of Welch's involvement in its ill-fated launch.