Unexpectedly Thrust into the Spotlight
While achieving viral fame may be a dream for many, it’s important to understand the challenges that come with it. Haliey Welch, better known as the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl, is someone who can attest to this firsthand.
Last month, a video of Haliey answering a question about what drives men crazy in the bedroom went viral. Her unexpected response, “You gotta’ give him that hawk tuah and spit on that thing,” catapulted her to internet stardom. The clip, originally shared on Tim & Dee TV, has now been viewed over five million times, turning Haliey into a national treasure of sorts.
The Dark Side of Fame
However, with fame comes its downsides. Haliey recently spoke with Australian radio hosts Kyle and Jackie O about how her newfound popularity has impacted her daily life. She expressed concerns about her safety, revealing that she can no longer go out in public alone. “I’m paranoid of getting kidnapped or something,” she admitted. “I’m little too, so I can’t really defend myself against big people or anything like that.”
Haliey also shared an unsettling encounter she had with a stranger at Walmart who claimed to know her. These experiences have made her feel unsettled and cautious. Additionally, she opened up about the challenge of explaining her viral catchphrase, ‘hawk tuah,’ to her family, particularly her grandma. It took three attempts before her grandma finally grasped its meaning. Quite awkward, indeed.
Dealing with Strange Fan Requests
On top of that, Haliey’s collaborator, who helps her create hats featuring her infamous phrase, has received some peculiar requests from fans. Haliey revealed that he was offered $600 to have her spit in a jar and sell it. She has also been repeatedly asked about starting an OnlyFans page, with some people even requesting pictures of her feet. These bizarre requests shed light on the strange side of internet fame.
Silver Linings and Moving Forward
Despite the challenges, Haliey’s viral success has brought some positive outcomes. One major benefit is that she was able to leave her 9-5 job at the spring factory. In an excited video shared on her Instagram page, she proudly announced, “I quit my job at the spring factory, so I don’t have to eat Taco Bell all the time – but I’m still going to do it anyways.”
Through it all, Haliey is navigating her newfound fame with humor and resilience. She reminds us that fame, although enticing, can come with unexpected consequences.
