Haliey Welch, who rose to internet fame in the summer with her viral comment “Hawk Tuah,” responded to the overwhelming backlash from New York Mets after being selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Thursday’s game against the Oakland Athletics.

Mets fans weren’t thrilled with the team’s decision to ask Welch to throw out the first pitch, as the internet personality’s popularity is based on a viral video in June in which she used the phrase to describe sexual acts.

Haliey Welch throws 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 the Hawk Tuah Girl throw out the first pitch for a summer camp day game where the vast majority of fans are 11 year old kids who are at the stadium on camp trips. Seriously, what were they thinking? This had better be better,” wrote one user on X.

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Welch responded to the criticism on social media on Friday, stressing that her appearance at the game was intended to spread an important message.

Viral internet personality Haliey Welch, left, reacts with a friend after throwing out 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 guess some of the baseball community wasn’t too happy to see me yesterday,” she wrote in a post on X. “The main reason I went to the game was to raise awareness and donate to America’s Vet Dogs, which helps dogs with War veterans for a forever home.

“HAWK TUAH GIRL” triggers angry reactions from fans at Mets game because of her first pitch: “Terrible decision”

“Join me in donating to this amazing charity. I miss you already, buddy.”

In the video she shared in the post, Welch is introduced to Buddy, the Mets Vet Dog who made his debut in May.

Sponsored by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, America’s VetDogs is a nonprofit dedicated to providing service dogs to first responders and veterans with disabilities.

New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo smiles while petting Shea, the Mets’ veterinary service dog, during a spring training session on Feb. 21, 2023, in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

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Welch received further support on social media on Friday.

“Ironically you made a semi-lewd joke and it went viral. But honestly, in every other interaction I’ve seen you’ve been a positive and uplifting person, I wish you nothing but success. And you’re a dog lover so that’s an automatic win,” one user wrote.

Welch has made several appearances since her viral street interview, including an interview on Bill Maher’s podcast. She also performed at a Zach Bryan concert.

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