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HAWK

$HAWK
HAWK (HAWK)
HAWK
Ticker$HAWK
BlockchainSolana
Launch DateDecember 4, 2024
Launch PlatformSolana Native
ATH Market Cap$490 million
ATH Price~$0.05
Current Market Cap~$3 million
Total Supply1,000,000,000 HAWK
CreatorHaliey Welch Team
StatusDead
Categories
Celebrity Viral Scam
ExchangesRaydium, Jupiter

HAWK is a Solana memecoin launched by Haliey Welch, known as the "Hawk Tuah Girl" after her viral street interview moment in June 2024. The token reached $490 million market cap within 15 minutes of launch before crashing 95%, leading to one of the most notorious alleged rug pulls of 2024 and a federal class action lawsuit.

Warning: HAWK is considered a failed/dead token. This page documents its history for educational purposes. The token crashed 95%+ from ATH and is the subject of ongoing litigation.
Contents
  1. Background
  2. The Launch
  3. The Crash
  4. Allegations
  5. Legal Action

Background

Haliey Welch became an internet sensation in June 2024 when a street interview video went viral. Her memorable phrase "Hawk Tuah" became a meme, leading to podcast appearances, merchandise deals, and eventually her own podcast called "Talk Tuah."

In December 2024, she announced the launch of the HAWK token, capitalizing on her viral fame.

The Launch

On December 4, 2024, the HAWK token launched on Solana. The initial response was explosive:

  • Within 15 minutes: Market cap soared to $490 million
  • Immediate hype: Trading frenzy as fans rushed to buy
  • Celebrity backing: Welch actively promoted the launch

The Crash

What happened next became one of the most dramatic collapses in memecoin history:

  • 95% crash: Value plummeted within hours of launch
  • Current value: Token now trades at ~$3 million market cap (99%+ down from ATH)
  • Immediate backlash: Community accused project of being a rug pull
"HAWK soared to a market capitalization of $490 million within less than 15 minutes after launch, before immediately collapsing 93% in value."
— NBC News

Allegations

On-chain analysis revealed troubling patterns:

  • Insider concentration: 96% of tokens were held by insider wallets
  • Only 3-4%: Available to the public at launch
  • Immediate sells: Insiders sold $1.27 million in tokens minutes after launch
  • Pump and dump: Classic pattern of insider enrichment

Cryptocurrency journalist Coffeezilla published an investigation accusing Welch and her team of insider trading and operating a pump-and-dump scheme.

Legal Action

In January 2025, a federal class action lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York:

  • Allegations: Sophisticated pump-and-dump scheme
  • Claimed damages: Rigged from the start to benefit insiders
  • Welch's payment: Allegedly received $125,000 upfront + promised $200,000 more
  • SEC complaint: At least one investor filed with the SEC

Welch's Response

Welch denied wrongdoing, stating:

  • She had "no knowledge about crypto" before being approached
  • The deal was a "brand image likeness" arrangement
  • She had no part in the tokenomics or development
  • Her team "tried to stop snipers as best we could"
  • She did not sell any tokens
Broader Pattern: Blockchain forensics linked the same wallet clusters to other alleged rug pulls including LIBRA, M3M3, and AIAI.

Lessons Learned

The HAWK incident highlights several red flags for celebrity tokens:

  • Extreme token concentration in insider wallets
  • Lack of transparency about tokenomics
  • Celebrity endorsers with no crypto knowledge
  • Rapid pump followed by immediate dumps
  • Anonymous or untraceable development teams

See Also