Rumors and viral images spread like wildfire on the internet, and recently, NBA star LaMelo Ball found himself at the center of one such whirlwind. A photo surfaced online, seemingly showing Ball sporting a new face tattoo of the “Hawk Tuah Girl.” This instantly ignited social media, leaving fans and netizens questioning the authenticity of the bold ink.
The image, initially shared by the X (formerly Twitter) account @TheNBACentel on September 6, 2024, quickly gained traction. The tweet’s caption, “LaMelo Ball shows off his new ‘Hawk Tuah’ tattoo 🤯,” fueled the speculation, with many believing the Charlotte Hornets point guard had indeed gotten the viral sensation etched onto his face.
However, before fans rush to imagine LaMelo Ball permanently marked with the Hawk Tuah Girl, it’s crucial to address the facts: the photo is fake. Confusion arose because @TheNBACentel, the source of the image, is explicitly identified as a parody account in its bio. This account is notorious for creating and disseminating fabricated news, often designed to go viral. Therefore, the buzz surrounding LaMelo Ball’s supposed Hawk Tuah tattoo is nothing more than an internet prank.
The subject of this viral tattoo hoax, the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” is Haliey Welch. She became an overnight internet sensation in June 2024 after a humorous street interview clip went viral. Her candid and playfully bold responses resonated with audiences, catapulting her into the digital spotlight. Since then, Haliey Welch has skillfully leveraged her newfound fame.
This internet personality isn’t just a fleeting viral moment; she’s building a brand. Recently, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Welch is launching her own podcast, “Talk Tuah,” under Jake Paul’s media company, Betr. Set to premiere on September 10th, “Talk Tuah” promises to showcase Welch’s “comic timing and Southern charm” through interviews and discussions. The first episode is slated to feature actress and comedian Whitney Cummings, with other notable personalities like Josh Richards and Jake Paul expected to appear in future episodes. A trailer for the podcast has already been released, featuring Welch confidently declaring, “Y’all really thought I was done? I’m just getting started, baby.”
Haliey Welch’s journey from viral interview to podcast host highlights the power of internet virality in today’s media landscape. From sharing stages with musicians like Zach Bryan to establishing her charity, Paws Across America, the Hawk Tuah Girl is making the most of her platform. Mike Denevi, Head of Media at Betr, recognized her potential, stating, “Haliey Welch is a bona fide superstar, and her charisma, unique perspective and innate connection with her audience make her the perfect fit for our platform…”
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball, the unwitting participant in this tattoo rumor, remains focused on his NBA career. The talented point guard signed a significant five-year contract extension but has faced challenges with ankle injuries, limiting his appearances to around 58 games in the past two seasons. Born in 2001, Ball achieved early professional success, reportedly becoming the youngest player to sign a professional basketball contract. Known for his on-court skills and distinctive style, LaMelo Ball is a prominent figure in the NBA, though notably, not one associated with face tattoos, especially not of viral internet personalities.
In conclusion, the viral image of LaMelo Ball with a Hawk Tuah Girl face tattoo is a hoax, originating from a known parody account. While it successfully generated buzz and confusion online, it’s essential to recognize the source and debunk the rumor. LaMelo Ball does not have this tattoo. Instead, the story highlights the ongoing internet phenomenon of the Hawk Tuah Girl and her burgeoning media career, juxtaposed against the established career of NBA star LaMelo Ball. Always verify information from unofficial sources, especially in the age of viral misinformation.
