Popular Twitch streamer Pokimane has commented on the controversy surrounding Haliey Welch, also known as the “Hawk Tuah girl,” and her failed cryptocurrency, Hawk Coin. The project collapsed, leading to a lawsuit and debates about influencer accountability in promoting financial products.
Pokimane stressed the need for influencers to take responsibility when endorsing investments, especially if they lack expertise. This article breaks down the collapse of Hawk Coin, the lawsuit, and Pokimane’s views on influencer responsibility.
Hawk Coin’s Rise and Rapid Collapse
In December, Haliey Welch launched Hawk Coin, a memecoin designed to capitalize on her viral popularity. The coin’s value dropped sharply after its release, sparking criticism.
YouTuber Coffeezilla investigated the project, revealing allegations of insider trading and over $1 million in fees collected by Welch’s team. Meanwhile, investors faced substantial losses.
The backlash led to a lawsuit against Welch’s team, although Welch was not directly named in the filing. Welch later vowed to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
Pokimane Highlights Influencer Accountability
Speaking on her Sweet n Sour podcast, Pokimane addressed Welch’s involvement. She suggested Welch may have been misled by more experienced partners but still emphasized her role in promoting the project without fully understanding it.
“She probably didn’t know what she was getting into,” Pokimane said. “But to some extent, she is also responsible because she promoted this thing that wound up losing people a lot of money.”
Pokimane’s remarks resonated with viewers, sparking discussions about influencers endorsing financial products without proper knowledge.
Haliey Welch’s Response and Future Plans
After the lawsuit, Welch briefly disappeared from social media. She later returned, announcing plans to continue her podcast, Talk Tuah with Haliey Welch, and clear her name.
While Welch’s team insists she aims to rebuild trust, some critics, including streamer Asmongold, believe her career may not recover. Welch’s ability to regain credibility depends on her transparency and efforts to clarify her role in the failed project.
Hawk Coin’s failure highlights the risks of influencers promoting financial products without proper oversight. Pokimane’s critique points to the need for influencers to prioritize accountability and credibility over profit.
As lawsuits proceed and Welch works to repair her reputation, the case raises broader questions about influencer-led crypto ventures. Stronger regulations and better education for influencers could help prevent similar incidents in the future.
For influencers, the message is simple: promoting investments without proper understanding can lead to lasting damage—for both their audience and their reputation.
