Hailey Welch seeks to move beyond viral fame as 'Hawk Tuah girl': 'I'd rather just be known as ...'

Hailey Welch, who shot toviral fameas the "Hawk Tuah Girl" after a candid interview on TikTok, is ready to move beyond the persona that catapulted her into the spotlight. In the debut episode ofWest Wilson's dating show, West Date Ever, Welch opened up about her desire to be recognized for more than just her internet moniker.During a fishing date with Wilson in Nashville, Welch expressed her wish to step away from the "Hawk Tuah" label, saying, "I'd rather just be known by my first name, not Ms Hawk." Despite the playful origin of her nickname, Welch is eager to redefine her public image.Theinternet sensation, who has since made appearances on podcasts and at country concerts, revealed her plans to build on her newfound fame. Welch mentioned that she’s exploring opportunities in podcasting andreality TV, aiming to create a lasting presence beyond her viral moment, reported the Decider.As the date progressed, Welch and Wilson shared lighthearted banter, with Welch even joking about her interest in Wilson’s cattle-rancher father. Despite the humor, Welch’s desire to be seen as more than just a meme was clear. Reflecting on the date, she appreciated Wilson's genuine interest in getting to know her, saying it was "probably one of the best dates" she had ever been on.In an exclusive interview, Wilson acknowledged Welch's journey and emphasized his intent to help her move past the "Hawk Tuah" label, noting, "Everyone has a story, and I wanted to get to know more about her and help her leave ‘Hawk Tuah’ in the past."