During a recent visit to Nashville, American former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal or Shaq had the opportunity to meet the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl. Spectators were left wondering who was the bigger fan of whom during their encounter.
Who is Hawk Tuah Girl?
Meet Hailey Welch, better known as the Hawk Tuah Girl, who has recently gained widespread recognition after a viral man-on-the-street interview by Tim & Dee TV. In the now-famous video, she was asked about a provocative topic, leading to her viral response that captured the internet’s attention.
In her own unique style, Welch described the “hawk tuah,” a humorous reference that quickly became a meme sensation. Her unexpected fame has sparked a rush for merchandise, including hats and T-shirts inspired by her viral moment, courtesy of Tim & Dee TV’s official merch line.
Despite her newfound notoriety, Welch remains grounded, navigating the complexities of internet fame with humor and resilience. She’s even ventured into podcast appearances and public engagements, supported by a newfound management team aiming to propel her career forward.
As her story unfolds, Welch continues to embrace the opportunities brought by her viral fame, proving that a spontaneous moment can lead to unexpected opportunities in today’s digital age.
What has she said about going viral?
In interviews following her sudden viral fame, Hailey Welch shared her unexpected journey. Speaking on the Barstool Sports podcast Plan Bri with Brianna Lapaglia, backstage at a Zach Bryan concert where she later joined him on stage to shout “Hawk tuah!” during his performance of “Revival,” Welch revealed she was in Nashville for CMA Fest when the viral clip was filmed. She described her surprise upon realizing the video was gaining traction around 2 a.m. while getting ready for work.
Welch admitted she was taken aback by the creation of fake social media accounts in her name, having deleted all personal accounts six months earlier. She found it unsettling to see her face on accounts she did not control. Despite the challenges and odd offers that came with her newfound fame, Welch expressed determination to use the experience as a launchpad for future career opportunities, supported by her newly formed management team.