Haliey Welch, the "hawk tuah" viral sensation, was left stunned on Bill Maher's Club Random podcast. Maher made surprising comments about p*rn.
Welch shot to fame in July after being stopped by podcasters Tim and Dee in Nashville. Asked about a move in bed that drives men wild, Welch said, "You gotta give 'em that 'hawk tuah' and spit on that thing."
"Hawk tuah" mimics the sound of spitting.
The 23-year-old from Belfast, Tennessee, has since made many public appearances. She judged a bikini contest in Florida, earning $30,000, and appeared at the Rock The South Festival in Alabama.
On Maher's podcast, released Sunday, he advised Welch on using her new fame. The 68-year-old suggested a broadcasting career as a "sex expert." "You have a platform," Maher said. "Do a podcast here on Club Random, as a sex expert."
Seemingly shocked, Welch giggled, and Maher continued, "You have to trade on what you're known for. That's the one thing you're known for." Maher warned against choosing something frivolous. "Talk about sex, but serious issues," he advised. "There are serious issues, one related to your fame."
Welch appeared nervous and unsure. "What am I going to say?" Maher asked. "You have no idea?" Welch replied, "I'm kind of nervous." Maher then linked her famous spitting move to p*rn. Welch was stunned, giggling in response.
Maher continued, calling spitting during sex "gross" and attributing it to p*rn's influence. "It's not necessary, it never existed before p*rn," he said. "P*rn has warped the minds of your generation."
Welch agreed, "Yeah, they come up with some sick s***." Representatives for Maher and Welch were contacted by Newsweek for comments.
Alongside public appearances, Welch is rumored to have filed trademarks for "Hawk Tuah Sauce" and a sports betting service, "Bet on That Thang." TMZ reported these moves.
Welch also hired a lawyer, a manager, and set up an Instagram account (@hay_welch) with over 2 million followers. Despite requests, Welch insists she won't start an OnlyFans account. On July 3, she stated on Instagram, "Stop asking for my OnlyFans link. There will never be one. I just make funny jokes, that's all."