Podcast Summary: Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) - Episode: "The Hawk Tuah Flop Comeback"

Release Date: April 29, 2025
Host: Jamie Loftus (Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts)

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Sixteenth Minute (of Fame), host Jamie Loftus delves deep into the tumultuous journey of Haley Welch, also known as "Hawk to a Girl." This episode meticulously unpacks Haley's ascent to internet fame, her entanglement with the crypto scam "Hawk Coin," and the subsequent fallout that jeopardized her burgeoning career. Through a blend of reported segments, interviews, and Sharp insights, Jamie navigates the complexities of viral fame in the digital age.

Background: Haley Welch’s Rise to Fame

Jamie begins by revisiting the origins of Haley Welch’s internet prominence. Haley became a viral sensation after her interaction with the YouTube/TikTok duo Tim and D, where she humorously responded to their question about a move in bed that makes a man go crazy. This moment encapsulated the nature of 2024's viral fame—fast-paced, fleeting, and often merciless.

Notable Quote:

"Hayley Welch went viral last year in a way that is barely possible anymore after being featured without her consent."
(00:54)

The Emergence of Hawk Coin and the Crypto Scandal

As Haley’s fame surged, she was introduced to Jake Paul, a pivotal figure in the influencer landscape known for pioneering modern viral strategies. Under Paul's network, Haley launched "Hawk Coin," a meme cryptocurrency intended to capitalize on her newfound fame. However, the venture spiraled into what Jamie describes as one of the "most high-profile catastrophic rollouts" in crypto history.

Key Points:

• Jake Paul's Influence: Transitioned from Vine to LA-based influencer empire, setting the stage for new monetization paths in internet fame.
• Hawk Coin's Failure: Poor execution and allegations of it being a pump and dump scheme led to significant financial losses for investors.
• SEC Investigation: Triggered by widespread defrauding claims, resulting in years of legal scrutiny.

Notable Quote:

"Jake Paul was so busy with being a right-wing influencer that he was actively looking to find other influencers to host a shitty video podcast on his crypto sports betting app."
(10:55)

The Leaked Podcast Episode and Fallout

A pivotal moment unfolded when a planned podcast episode between Haley Welch and FaZe Banks—an outspoken crypto critic—was leaked prematurely. This leak exposed attempted damage control measures by Haley’s team, including a botched apology and ongoing attempts to salvage Hawk Coin's reputation.

Key Points:

• Interview Leak: Intended to be an apology and explanation, it was leaked amidst an SEC investigation, undermining Haley’s credibility.
• FaZe Banks’ Critique: Publicly condemned the crypto scam, adding pressure on Haley and her associates.
• Insider Trading Allegations: Spike in Hawk Coin’s trading volume suggested possible insider manipulation tied to the podcast leak.

Notable Quotes:

"This botched ending to an attempted apology tour does not work, and the team once again goes silent until March 25th."
(47:41)

"Haley's team appeared to consider coming on this show for two full weeks."
(13:18)

Reactions from Crypto Critics and the Community

The episode highlights responses from prominent figures like Coffeezilla, who played a crucial role in exposing the Hawk Coin scam. Coffeezilla's investigative journalism not only brought widespread attention to the fraudulent activities but also highlighted inconsistencies in Haley’s team's narratives.

Key Points:

• Coffeezilla’s Exposé: Detailed the mismanagement and deceptive practices behind Hawk Coin, garnering over 4 million views.
• Faze Banks’ Involvement: Initially critical, Banks later appeared on the leaked podcast, further complicating Haley’s public image.
• Public Opinion: Split between those empathetic to Haley's predicament and others viewing her as complicit in the scam.

Notable Quotes:

"This is one of the most miserable... horrific launches I've ever seen in my life."
(20:35)

"Faze Banks knew what's happening, and he was ensuring the episode shouldn’t be released until the investigation was over."
(50:32)

Haley Welch’s Attempted Comeback

Following months of silence and negative press, Haley made a brief return to social media with a cryptic TikTok sketch depicting her perceived image crisis. This marked an attempt to rebrand and regain some semblance of her former fame, though reactions remained largely negative.

Key Points:

• TikTok Sketch: Showcased Haley waking from a "nap," symbolizing her rebirth from the scandal.
• Public Reception: Mixed, with many mocking the attempt as insincere or humorous in the face of the serious allegations.
• SEC Resolution: Eventually, the SEC closed its investigation without findings against Haley, allowing her to avoid legal repercussions officially.

Notable Quotes:

"Imagine running a crypto fraud scheme and then coming back three months later acting like it never happened."
(58:52)

"The SEC closed the investigation without making any findings against or seeking any monetary sanctions from Haley."
(59:31)

Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

Jamie concludes the episode by reflecting on the broader implications of Haley Welch’s saga. The case underscores the volatile nature of internet fame and the precarious balance influencers must maintain between seeking attention and maintaining ethical standards. As Haley plans a documentary and considers stepping away from cryptocurrency, Jamie teases future discussions on her attempted career relaunch and its inevitable challenges.

Notable Quote:

"Hayley is being used as a pawn to some extent, but her whole business operation is willfully defrauding the public and then working overtime to deny it unless confronted with irrefutable evidence."
(56:15)

Key Takeaways

1. Viral Fame’s Fragility: Haley Welch’s rapid rise and fall exemplify how fleeting and precarious internet fame can be, especially when intertwined with controversial ventures.
2. Influencer Responsibility: The association with figures like Jake Paul highlights the potential dangers when influencers engage in unethical monetization strategies.
3. Impact of Investigative Journalism: Figures like Coffeezilla play a critical role in holding influencers accountable, shaping public perception and influencing outcomes in high-stakes scenarios.
4. Legal and Ethical Boundaries: The SEC’s involvement underscores the importance of adhering to legal frameworks, even in the seemingly unregulated world of cryptocurrency.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stassi Schroeder:
  "Stassi Schroeder: And is she wrong? But for all of what followed, the clickbait fame followed by the modern template of what viral fame looked like at this very particular moment in time."
  (05:29)

• Jamie Loftus:
  "I do have a lot of empathy for Haley at the time she was pulled into this predicament..."
  (56:15)

• Coffeezilla:
  "I have questions. I have questions. I'm raising my hand."
  (20:35)

• Faze Banks:
  "Hawk to a girl's back with a released podcast that was immediately disavowed by nearly everyone in it..."
  (49:05)

• Haley Welch:
  "Does this podcast make you happy? Of course it does..."
  (35:45)

Conclusion

This episode of Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) serves as a compelling case study on the intersection of internet fame, cryptocurrency, and ethical dilemmas faced by influencers. Through detailed reporting and insightful commentary, Jamie Loftus provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of Haley Welch's rise and fall, offering broader lessons on the complexities of modern digital notoriety.