Fact Check: Did Lamelo Ball get a face tattoo of the Hawk Tuah Girl? Viral picture debunked

American basketball player LaMelo Ball has been making headlines after a photo of him with a face tattoo of the Hawk Tuah Girl went viral. The image was initially shared by an X handle named @TheNBACentel, on September 6, 2024. The caption of the tweet read:

"LaMelo Ball shows off his new "Hawk Tuah" tattoo 🤯."

The image further created confusion among netizens where some expressed their views after considering that the image was real. Others, however, clarified that the photo was fake. One netizen commented:

"Where’s the community note… WHERES THE COMMUNITY NOTE?!?!!"

"Bro centel😭😭😭," wrote another tweet.

Amid the rumors, it is important to note that the X handle that had originally shared the photo of LaMelo with the Hawk Tuah girl tattoo, is a parody account, which can be confirmed from its bio as well. The account is known for spreading fake news which later ends up getting viral too. Hence, the rumors of LaMelo getting such a tattoo must be debunked.

For the unversed, Haliey Welch, aka the Hawk Tuah girl became viral after a certain street interview happened a few months back in June 2024. Since then, she has been making headlines in an on-and-off manner. Recently The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that she was going to start her podcast Talk Tuah.

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Haliey Welch, aka the Hawk Tuah girl's first podcast episode, is to come out on September 10

As mentioned, Welch's new podcast Talk Tuah is about to release in a few days, under the banner of Jake Paul's media company Betr. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Welch's "comic timing and Southern charm" will blend with several interviews and discussions.

The outlet had also confirmed that the first episode coming out on Tuesday, September 10, would have actress and comedian Whitney Cummings as the first guest. Later, other well-known personalities including Josh Richards and Jake Paul would eventually be guests at the show. A trailer for the podcast had been released, in which Welch could be heard saying:

"Y’all really thought I was done? I’m just getting started, baby."

Since the time she went viral, she has been seen in many places. From sharing the stage with Zach Bryan to starting her charitable fund Paws Across America, the audience saw it all about the Hawk Tuah girl. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a statement had been made by the Betr head of media Mike Denevi, who said:

"Haliey Welch is a bona fide superstar, and her charisma, unique perspective and innate connection with her audience make her the perfect fit for our platform..."

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Coming back to the current rumor about LaMelo Ball, it is worth knowing more about the professional basketball player. While Ball had signed a five-year max contract extension, he could make it to only about 58 matches in the last two seasons as of now, due to his ankle injuries.

Born in 2001 in Anaheim, Ball reportedly had become the youngest one to sign a professional basketball contract. The 23-year-old player was reportedly receiving training from his dad LaVar, as soon as he began walking.