The "Hawk Tuah Girl" is a term given to women who gain internet fame through unique public behavior that has quickly circulated around the online community and a recent arrest of a Hooters waitress is now being compared to the 2024 breakout influencer.
The Emergence of Hawk Tuah Girl
The original "Hawk Tuah Girl" is Haliey Welch who became viral sensation because of a candid and suggestive street interview which became a massive online trend with an iconic phrase and new internet identity. This notoriety had opened up avenues such as merchandising and podcasts. However recently due to legal issues some would view the story of Hawk Tuah as one of a rise and then a fall.
The Controversy
Haliey launched the memecoin "Hawkcoin" which rapidly dropped by 95%. Investors claimed she had used a tactic called pump and dump. She was also noted as not being transparent in her launch by claiming a great amount of the coins were held by the main leadership teams which did in fact sell a good amount at once which led to major losses by many of those who invested into it.
Sophia Ross's Viral Moment
Sophia Ross was pulled over under suspicion of a DUI and she then attempted to flirt with the arresting officer calling him “daddy” along with suggesting they “make out.” While her attempts did not stop her arrest they did go viral making her another personality similar to the "Hawk Tuah Girl".
Comparisons and the "2025 Hawk Tuah Girl" Label
The Comparisons to Welch is a sentiment that was embraced by Ross, however some see it as an insult. Ross is also now a meme along with seeing her online presence surge while using the public opportunity in what some see as capitalizing on a moment of difficulty and poor decision making.
Similarities Between The Women
Both women became internet personalities through seemingly relatable yet very public moments which had become unexpected. Those events catapulted them into fame within very short periods while making those actions synonymous with both.
The Provocative Behavior of the Stars
Both women had gained their stardom from suggestive behavior that is unique to a wide range of viewerships which is shown in the level of online presence they both achieved through the public actions captured in video. Both Haliey and Sophia had taken different paths after but initially this is what drew them both into the spotlight.
Using Online Fame
Welch had made a short-lived career using her phrase to promote products before her quick delve into crypto currency which caused major issues for herself and her viewers. She went dark as more legal pressure developed from a pending law suit.
Sophia Ross' Strategy for Engagement
After becoming famous online Sophia Ross also engaged in different strategies using paywalled subscriptions. She added to the attention from her public DUI behavior to promote content. Some people viewed this as profiting from her issues where as some viewed this as the right for someone to use their time as they saw fit and if the viewers enjoy what they are putting out it is a fair exchange.
Controversies and Discussions
The public reaction had some express negativity claiming they should not be an internet sensation due to their lack of positive morals or behaviors however most others look at this as a public reaction where they are free to choose who and what to support. Welch had her name damaged over time due to her participation in a scheme that took funds from those who viewed her favorably. Whereas it remains to be seen how Sophia uses her public identity.
The Role of Influencers
The incidents and discussions around both of these viral cases showcase the influence of online personalities along with the responsibility and accountability in regards to that type of visibility and influence. Also it gives light into the new world of public personality from everyday people whose lives are captured publicly then shown across all of social media.
Key Takeaways
- The “Hawk Tuah Girl” refers to Hailey Welch who became an overnight internet sensation using suggestive catch phrases.
- Sophia Ross was labelled as “2025’s Hawk Tuah girl” after being publicly captured during a DUI arrest trying to flirt with arresting officers.
- Both women generated rapid amounts of fame due to public actions that are readily spread online across media channels.
- Both used the moments to capitalize using some sort of monetization techniques for business goals after going viral.
- These cases spark conversations regarding the impact of social media and public responsibility in the influencer culture which has emerged through rapid access.