Chestnut pleads guilty to battery; probation coincides with Nathan’s return
Court records confirm Joey Chestnut’s guilty plea to misdemeanor battery, a legal development that runs parallel to his scheduled participation in the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island.
Hot dog-eating champion Joey Chestnut has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery following an altercation at an Indiana bar in March, according to court records obtained by US Weekly. The competitive eater was sentenced to 180 days of probation, a legal status that will be active during the July 4 weekend when he is scheduled to compete at the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, New York.
The incident occurred two months prior to Chestnut’s return to the contest, where he recently secured his 17th victory. During initial questioning by law enforcement, Chestnut stated he was "pretty drunk and didn't remember" the event. He later told officers that the slap he delivered "looked like a joke" and that he did not realise it would be reported. However, video evidence reviewed by authorities depicts a more aggressive sequence, showing Chestnut pulling the victim forward, striking him on the face with an open right hand, and standing over him while the victim reacted.
The victim of the altercation stated that he had exchanged a handshake with Chestnut before being struck on the left side of his face. Chestnut’s legal team issued a statement to US Weekly expressing regret for the interaction, noting that "inappropriate things were said" which Chestnut reacted to. The statement added that he misinterpreted the situation and is committed to avoiding similar circumstances in the future.
Chestnut’s legal proceedings coincide with his return to competitive eating after a one-year absence. He did not participate in the 2024 Nathan’s contest after Major League Eating (MLE) stated he breached his contract by representing another hot dog brand. His streak of eight straight titles ended before last summer’s return, but he resumed his dominance in 2025 by consuming 70.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes, finishing 20 more than second-place Patrick Bertoletti.
Speaking to ESPN after his 2025 victory, Chestnut described the competition as a return to form after a period of nervousness. He noted that while he initially fumbled, he found a rhythm and met his goal of consuming between 70 and 77 hot dogs. Despite the legal issues, Chestnut expressed satisfaction with his performance and his return to the Coney Island stage, stating he loved "pushing myself and beating the heck out of people."
