Hailey Welch, better known as “Hawk Tuah Girl” after her X-rated clip from an interview in Nashville propelled her to viral fame, has given her first sit-down interview since the infamous segment.
Speaking to Barstool Sports’ Brianna LaPaglia on the Plan Bri Uncut podcast on Monday, the 21-year-yold attempted to dispel some of the internet rumour mill’s claims about her – confirming she isn’t a teacher and her father is “the farthest thing” from a preacher.
As reported by The New York Post, Ms Welch said she works at a spring factory in her small Tennessee hometown and was getting ready for her 2am shift when she spotted the video of herself going viral.
Ms Welch said she deleted her social media accounts long before the video, in which she now-famously shared a favourite bedroom technique while speaking with a Southern drawl.
However, she confessed she nearly “sh*t a brick” when she learned of her instant internet fame.
Now, she’s trying to parlay her off-the-cuff catchphrase into serious cash – having already sold tens of thousands worth of branded merch – and with an entire management and video team following her every move.
LaPaglia is dating country music star Zach Bryan, who bought Ms Welch on stage at his show in Nashville over the weekend. She appeared on Lapaglia’s podcast wearing the same outfit – denim shorts, white boots, a white tank top and an over-size cowboy hat – that she sported during her appearance at the concert.
During the interview, Ms Welch recalled the moments leading up to the night her life would change forever.
While hanging out with friends on the streets of Nashville after the CMA Fest music festival, she told LaPaglia, “(the) next thing I know, there’s a microphone in my face”.
Ms Welch credited her extroverted personality with her evocative response about a typically private subject.
“I could talk to a brick wall if you really let me,” she said.
Ms Welch said she thought nothing of the YouTuber’s street interview at the time, and never expected to see it again.
“Sure enough, I seen it again,” she said.
This article originally appeared on The New York Post and was reproduced with permission