By NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has taken viral sensation Hailey Welch, known as the “Hawk Tuah” girl, under his wing, offering her valuable advice on navigating her newfound fame. The two met in Nashville last weekend, where Shaq imparted wisdom on dealing with sudden celebrity status.
According to sources close to the situation, Shaq advised Welch to surround herself with a smart team, warning her about people who might try to take advantage of her sudden popularity. When Welch showed O’Neal some of the hateful comments she’s been receiving online, he counseled her to ignore the negativity, emphasizing that her critics don’t know her personally.
The meeting between O’Neal and Welch occurred after she was pulled onstage at a Zach Bryan concert in Nashville. Impressed by her appearance, Shaq arranged for Welch to make an appearance at his DJ gig at Jon Bon Jovi’s new venue in Music City. The two reportedly spent about an hour in conversation, with Welch now considering Shaq a friend and mentor.
During his DJ set, O’Neal brought Welch to the DJ booth, where she received an enthusiastic response from the crowd. In a lighthearted moment, Shaq accidentally stepped on Welch’s foot, though she fortunately avoided any injury.
In a separate development, Welch appeared on Brianna LaPaglia’s ‘Plan Bri’ podcast to address rumors circulating about her personal life. She clarified that she’s 21 years old, was never a school teacher, and that her parents find her viral moment amusing. Welch also discussed her initial reluctance to embrace her newfound fame and her decision to come forward after fake social media accounts were created in her name.
Despite receiving offers capitalizing on her viral status, including a $600 offer to spit in a jar, Welch expressed a desire not to be defined solely by the “Hawk Tuah” moment. She has, however, secured a manager and a merchandise deal following her unexpected rise to internet fame.
This interaction between O’Neal and Welch highlights the challenges of sudden viral fame and the value of mentorship from experienced celebrities in navigating the complexities of public attention.
TMZ
