Indianapolis, IN — Joey “Jaws” Chestnut will still take center stage at this year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest after an Indiana judge allowed the competitive eating legend to travel while serving probation for a misdemeanor battery conviction.
The 17-time Nathan’s champion pleaded guilty in April after police accused him of striking another man during a late-night confrontation at an Indiana bar. Court records from Hamilton County show Chestnut received 180 days of probation, but the sentence will not prevent him from competing in the iconic July 4 contest on Coney Island.
The ruling preserves one of competitive eating’s biggest attractions just weeks before the annual event draws national television audiences and thousands of spectators.
Bar Altercation Led to Misdemeanor Charge
Chestnut faced the charge after an incident during a night out in Indiana earlier this year. Authorities accused him of slapping a man during the encounter, leading prosecutors to file a misdemeanor battery case.
His attorney, Mario Massillamany, said Chestnut chose to plead guilty and resolve the matter quickly.
“He wanted to accept responsibility for his actions,” Massillamany told The Associated Press, describing the confrontation as a misunderstanding rather than a violent dispute.
Reports previously indicated Chestnut told officers he had been drinking and could not fully remember the incident. His attorney later disputed the interpretation of those comments, arguing the eating champion was rattled while speaking with police before consulting legal counsel.
The judge overseeing the case later approved travel requests tied to Chestnut’s competition schedule, clearing the way for his summer appearance in New York.