SEC Wraps Up Hawk Tuah Meme Coin Investigation
Add “Hawk Tuah Girl” to the list of crypto influencers who are no longer being investigated by the SEC. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission has wrapped up its investigation into the beleaguered $HAWK meme coin without pursuing action against Haliey Welch.
Welch, whose claim to fame was a viral street interview, announced via TMZ:
“For the past few months, I’ve been cooperating with all the authorities and attorneys, and finally, that work is complete.”
No Charges or Penalties for Welch
James Sallah, Welch’s attorney, confirmed that the SEC wrapped up the case with no findings or penalties:
“The SEC closed the investigation without making any findings against, or seeking any monetary sanctions from, Haliey. There are no restrictions on her future involvement in crypto.”
From Viral Fame to Crypto Chaos
The $HAWK token surged to a market capitalization of nearly $500 million before falling to around $3 million, leaving several investors burnt. Though Welch got off scot-free, the token’s makers are being sued for negligence in another lawsuit.
Sources close to Welch confirm that she has cut ties with the LLC company that produced the coin and no longer supports or promotes it.
Welch Moves On Amid Documentary Buzz
After the $HAWK debacle, Welch went dark on social media. She’s returned now and occupied with her podcast, Talk Tuah. There’s a “Hawk Tuah” documentary in production, per reports.
“Glad to be getting back in the saddle,” Welch told TMZ in a statement.
A Pattern of Regulatory Retreat?
Welch’s cleared name adds to a growing list of crypto cases dropped by the SEC. Investigations or cases against Ripple, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Immutable were dropped recently as well.
Regulatory pressure eased under the Trump administration after the resignation of SEC Chair Gary Gensler. Top crypto firms have contributed millions to Trump-related initiatives since November 2024, reported Politico.
