Haliey Welch, who rose to internet fame this summer after her viral “Hawk Tuah” comment, responded to the overwhelming backlash she received Metropolitan Museum of Art in New YorkShe received the award after she was selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Thursday's game against the Oakland Athletics.
Mets fans They weren't too impressed with the team's decision to invite Welch to throw out the first pitch because the internet personality's popularity centers on a viral video from June in which he used the phrase to describe sexual acts.
Haliey Welch throws out the first pitch during a game between the Oakland Athletics and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, August 15, 2024 in New York, NY. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
“So the Mets decided to have Hawk Tuah Girl throw out the first pitch for a summer 'camp' game where the vast majority of fans are 11 year olds who attend the stadium on camping trips. Seriously, what were they thinking? Getting better than this,” one user wrote on X.
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Welch took to social media to acknowledge the criticism on Friday, noting that his appearance at the game was intended to help spread an important message.
Viral internet personality Haliey Welch, left, reacts with a friend after combining for the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the New York Mets and the Oakland Athletics at Citi Field on August 15, 2024, in New York City. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
“I'm guessing some members of the baseball community weren't too happy to see me yesterday,” he wrote in a post on X. “The main reason I went to the game was to raise awareness and donate to Veterinary Dogs of America, which matches dogs with war veterans for a forever home.
'HAWK TUAH GIRL' PROVOKES ANGRY FAN REACTION TO HER FIRST PITCH IN METS GAME: 'A HORRIBLE DECISION'
“Please join me in donating to this amazing charity. I miss you already, my friend.”
In the video he shared in the post, Welch meets Buddy, the Mets' vet dog, who made his debut in May.
Sponsored by the Amazin' Mets Foundation, America's VetDogs operates as a nonprofit foundation that works to provide service dogs to first responders and disabled veterans.
New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo smiles as he pets Shea, the Mets' veterinary service dog, during spring training on Feb. 21, 2023, in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
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Welch received more support on social media on Friday.
“Ironically, you made a slightly dirty joke and it went viral because of it. But honestly, in every other interaction I've seen, you've been a positive and encouraging person. I wish you all the success. And you're a dog lover, so that's an automatic win,” one user wrote.
Welch has appeared on several occasions since her viral street interview, including an interview on Bill Maher's podcast. She also appeared on stage at a Zach Bryan concert.
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