No matter if you're on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube, you've likely seen a meme, GIF or short video of her saying you "gotta spit on that thang."
Her relationship advice was given during a daring street interview with Tim and Dee TV, where one of her responses went mega viral. This led to countless memes and a worldwide hunt for her identity.
Soon after becoming a global sensation, she was identified as Hailey Welch, from Nashville, Tennessee, reports the Mirror US .
But that wasn't enough for the relentless internet users, they wanted more information about her. And they got just that when a story began circulating claiming Hailey was actually a preschool teacher who lost her job because of the interview.
The thing about viral sensations is that if you can create a believable narrative about the subject, then that too can go viral. In this case, a viral post from a Facebook page named the Tippah County Tribune claimed the "hawk tuah girl" was Hailey Wellington of Ripley, Mississippi, and that she had been dismissed from her role as a preschool teacher.
Carla Reed, the Director of Epstein Day School, issued a statement regarding the troubling incident: "We have kids spitting on each other and everything else since they heard their beloved Miss Hailey say 'spit on that thang' on YouTube. They really look up to her as a role model and imitate the things that she does."
"We love Hailey but unfortunately we cannot allow this type of behavior from one of our very own faculty members."
Additionally, 'Hailey' herself responded: "What I said during that interview was based on my own personal thoughts. I was giving good advice to those who might want to have a little fun. I have the right to share my life experiences if I choose to do so. It has nothing to do with the kind of teacher I am for my kids. It is outright discrimination and I plan to seek retribution against the preschool."
However, it appears some readers missed the fact that the Tippah County Tribune is known for satire, meaning the story isn't factual.
It's confirmed that Hailey is indeed profiting from her viral phrase, having teamed up with Tennessee-based hat company Fathead Threads to launch her own line of hats, as reported by OutKick.
However, the true backstory of Hailey remains a mystery. Despite numerous Instagram accounts popping up claiming to be her under various versions of her name, uncovering the real Hailey is still an ongoing process.
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