Haliey Welch, famously known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” found herself at the center of controversy following her ceremonial first pitch at a New York Mets game.
Welch, who gained internet fame after a viral interview, threw the pitch before the Mets faced the Oakland Athletics at Citi Field.
While her appearance was meant to be a lighthearted moment, it quickly sparked debate and criticism online.
The viral moment of Hawk Tuah Girl
Welch’s rise to fame began with a viral interview in which she humorously described a sexual act using the phrase “hawk tuah.”
The clip, posted by Tim & Dee TV on June 11, quickly went viral, showing Haliey’s interview.
The YouTuber asked her: “What’s one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?”
Hailey confidently shared her provocative answer to what makes men ‘crazy’ in bed: “You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thing!”
With just her answer, Hailey Welch became famous overnight. This unexpected moment catapulted her into the spotlight, earning her the moniker “Hawk Tuah Girl..
As a result, ‘Hawk Tuah Girl’ capitalized on a staggering amount from merchandise sales after going viral.
On Thursday, Welch made headlines again, this time for her involvement in a major league baseball game.
Haliey Welch, Tual Girl has gained attention after being invited to the Met Game.
Haley Welch stepped up to the mound at Citi Field to deliver the ceremonial first pitch during the New York Mets’ game against the Oakland Athletics.
On Twitter, a user known as @SNY_Mets shared a video capturing the moment when the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl threw out the first pitch at the Mets game.
The video has the caption: “Hailey Welch throws out the first pitch at today’s Mets game”.’
In the footage, Welch, clad in a Mets jersey, was invited to throw the first pitch at the game. She was accompanied by a friend who caught the ball.
The two celebrated their moment on the field with a playful chest bump, a gesture that quickly went viral on social media.
Social media reaction
Many critics took to social media to express their discontent.
In the comment selection, many viewer questioned why the Mets chose a viral internet personality over more traditionally accomplished individuals.
Comments varied from lighthearted jabs to more serious critiques. Some fans expressed their frustration with the choice.
One person said: Disgusting! Do better Mets!
A second wrote: and the season is over what are we doing
If that’s not a curse I don’t know what is. While a third commened.
Another added: A girl makes a joke about giving a bj and this is it??
Hawk Tuah Girl’s response
However, the decision to feature Welch in this role was met with mixed reactions from fans and social media users.
In response to the backlash, Welch took to social media to address her detractors.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), she acknowledged the criticism with a sheepish grin emoji.
She wrote: “So I guess some of the baseball community wasn’t too happy to see me yesterday.”
Welch then clarified the main reason for her appearance, emphasizing that it was in support of a charitable cause.
She revealed that her participation was to spread awareness and raise funds for America’s Vet Dogs, a charity that pairs service dogs with veterans.
“The main reason I went to the game was to spread awareness and donate to America’s Vet Dogs,” Welch wrote. She also shared her fondness for Buddy, the service dog that accompanied her on the field, adding, “I miss ya already Buddy.”
WFAN host Sal Licata was particularly vocal in his disapproval. He drew a stark contrast between the Mets’ decision and the achievements of other sports figures.
On-air, Licata remarked, “The Yankees have Aaron Judge and Juan Soto breaking records… and the Mets have Grimace and now ‘Hawk Tuah.’ Come on, bro, I can’t take it, I cannot take it anymore. It’s ridiculous.”
Despite the controversy, Haliey Welch used her viral moment to bring attention to a meaningful cause.
Her appearance at the Mets game sparked debate. Despite this, Welch remains focused on the positive impact she can have through her newfound platform.