"Hawk Token Surge: Podcast Removal Sparks Market Manipulation Debate"
1min read The deletion of a podcast episode hosted by Hailey Welch, also known as "Hawk Tuah girl," has sparked questions and speculation about the price movement of the HAWK token. The episode, which featured prominent crypto figures such as FaZe Clan CEO Richard "FaZe Banks" Bengtson, DeGods creator Frank (Rohun Vora), and content creator Threadguy, was quickly removed after its initial release.
The podcast episode discussed Welch's experience with the failed launch of her Solana-based meme coin, which occurred two months ago. During the episode, Welch admitted to still being "a little shook up" about the incident, where 80% of the token supply remained with the deployer and the price crashed nearly immediately. The podcast's sudden removal led to its circulation on social media platforms, causing the HAWK token price to temporarily double before settling at a 9% increase.
FaZe Banks took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration with the situation, revealing that specific conditions had been set for the podcast's release. These conditions included requirements that the episode not be used for market manipulation and that Welch's team develop "a real solution" regarding profits from the project. Banks also alleged that the episode's leak might have been orchestrated to influence the HAWK token price, coinciding with a sharp increase in trading activity.
The controversy surrounding the podcast episode follows Welch's previous announcement of cooperation with lawyers who are pursuing legal action against her former business partners involved in the HAWK token launch. The legal proceedings center around the token's troubled debut and its impact on retail investors. Welch's guests in the episode appeared to support her assertion of limited understanding of the token launch process, though the full context remains unclear due to the content's removal.
The HAWK token initially launched in early December 2024, quickly becoming a source of controversy when its price collapsed shortly after trading began. The incident led to widespread criticism and Welch's temporary withdrawal from public platforms. Legal proceedings related to the token launch continue, with Welch now apparently assisting the lawyers investigating her former business associates' roles in the project's execution. Despite the brief price movement following the podcast leak, the HAWK token's market capitalization and trading volume remain well below their launch levels.
The deletion of the podcast episode and the subsequent market movement have raised questions about communication and transparency in the project's aftermath. As various parties work to address the fallout 
