Haliey Welch, famously known as the “Hawk Tuah girl,” has taken her internet fame to a new level by launching an AI-powered dating app named after her boyfriend, whom she affectionately calls “Pookie.” This bold move has sparked mixed reactions online as fans and critics alike voice their opinions on social media.
The app, called Pookie Tools, was launched on iOS in November and coincided with Welch revealing her boyfriend’s identity during the November 12 episode of her podcast, Talk Tuah with Haliey Welch. Welch, who had previously kept “Pookie’s” real name under wraps, marked the occasion by rolling out the app, which promises to simplify and enhance modern dating.
Reactions online have been a whirlwind of commentary. One X user exclaimed, “WE’VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS WOMAN,” echoing the sentiment of many critics who feel Welch’s viral fame is overstaying its welcome. Others noted Welch’s entrepreneurial spirit, with one fan sarcastically writing, “You just gotta respect it fr cause if she was black…”
Despite the backlash, Welch remains unapologetic and credits her inspiration for the app to none other than Bill Maher. In an interview with TechCrunch, she shared that Maher encouraged her to explore the role of a relationship coach. The result? An AI-powered tool designed to help users find their own “Pookie.”
The app boasts features like an AI chatbot to ease initial conversations, profile enhancement tips, and even date outfit or gift suggestions. According to the Apple App Store description, Pookie Tools is positioned as the go-to app for Gen Z, offering “cheat codes for a smarter, more enjoyable dating experience.”
Welch’s rise to fame began in June 2024, when a clip of her coining the catchphrase “hawk tuah” went viral. The phrase, paired with her audacious humor, earned her a dedicated following and led to the launch of her podcast. Since then, Welch has become a polarizing figure in online culture, with many loving her candidness while others are quick to criticize her moves.
As Welch continues to leverage her fame, her new app has certainly kept her in the spotlight. Whether Pookie Tools becomes a game-changer in dating or just another fleeting trend remains to be seen. Either way, Welch is riding the wave of her internet fame unapologetically.