In the months since going viral on social media, Haliey Welch, otherwise known as 'Hawk Tuah' girl said she understands why people hate her—but she didn't ask to be famous.
Welch became an online hit after she was asked a question in the street about her sex life by Tim & Dee TV—two YouTubers who conduct street interviews. The video was eventually uploaded to YouTube, with Welch going viral for using the onomatopoeia "hawk tuah" to describe the intimate act that makes "a man go crazy in bed."
At the time of writing, Tim and Dee's video, titled Hawk Tuah Girl Original Video has been viewed 7.5 million times on the video platform. Clips from it have also been posted to TikTok, where it has been shared numerous times and received millions of views.
Welch has since managed to launch her podcast, Talk Tuah, sell merchandise and start an animal foundation. While some people have embraced the meme and Welch's virality, others have criticized that Welch has been making the most of her internet fame.
"I get it why people are hating on me. People think I cut the line and now have opportunities that others have worked their entire life for," Welch told Newsweek.
"But I never asked to be famous, I even tried to stop it once the video was going viral. It's stressful but I'm doing the best I can and that's all I can do. Luckily, Chelsea (her best friend) is always with me and I am starting to enjoy it more each day, especially the travel part. I'm grateful for this blessing but do ask 'Why Me?'"
Welch has been added to Betr Media's expanding roster of content creators, with the first episode of Talk Tuah to debut across social, digital and audio platforms on Tuesday, September 10.
"As far as starting my own podcast, I loved being guests on Jake Paul's, Brianna [Lapaglia]'s, Howie Mandel's, Bill Maher's and Whitney Cummings'—they all taught me a lot. Each encouraged me to start my own. So here I am with Talk Tuah," she said.
"Let's have some fun and bring some awareness to my charity, Paws Across America. Hopefully, the haters will tune in and they can take me as I am or watch me as I leave."
Paws Across America, according to its website, is a nonprofit partnered with Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
"Every donation made to the fund is tax-receipted and will be used to directly support animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country," the website reads.
When Welch officially announced her podcast, she addressed the haters in a video she and Betr shared on social media. At the beginning of the clips, screenshots of comments people have left on social media play out over the screen, with different voiceovers reading each.
"She's doing anything to stay relevant," one comment read, with another said: "Why are we keeping this girl relevant?"
Another person wrote: "Your 15 minutes are up."
Welch then addressed the camera, asking: "Y'all really thought I was done? I'm just getting started, baby."
She continued: "I'm Haliey Welch, a little while ago my life took a complete left turn and it changed forever. And along the way, I've realized that everybody's entitled to their own opinion. Well now, it's my turn to talk.
"Check out my podcast every week, Talk Tuah, where I'm sitting down with the coolest guests and having actual conversations with them."
According to a press release from Betr, the first episode will feature guest Whitney Cummings, followed by influencers Josh Richards and Jake Paul.
"Each episode will blend insightful interviews with comedic elements, creating a compelling mix that aligns with Betr Media's commitment to innovative and engaging sports media," it states.
"Welch will bring her signature blend of Southern values and comedic flair to the show and will also continue to diversify her platform and voice as a regular contributor to the company's always-on, character-driven social content."
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