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Controversy Swirls Around Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest as Reigning Champion Faces Disqualification
The controversy surrounding Coney Island’s highly anticipated Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has heightened as event organizers dismissed the reigning champion, Joey Chestnut’s claims of unfair rule changes. Consequently, Chestnut has been excluded from next month’s competition.
Reacting to the disqualification, Chestnut expressed deep disappointment as he would be unable to defend his title. The decision resulted from his endorsement of Impossible Foods’ vegan hot dogs, a competitor of Nathan’s, as revealed in an exclusive Post report.
However, the organization managing the annual Nathan’s event asserted that Chestnut is solely responsible for his situation.
Sponsorship Conflict Leads to Exclusion
“Joey, in lieu of his participation fees, has always agreed to a clear-cut exclusivity clause stating his non-endorsement of any other hot dog brand”, an MLE representative explained, making clear that no changes were made to the rules this year. He added, “What firm would pay their brand ambassador a significant sum and knowingly allow them to endorse a direct competitor shortly after?”
Subsequently, the representative countered the “banned” narrative stating, “Joey wasn’t banned. The moment he decided to endorse a rival to Nathan’s, he chose not to participate in the contest.”
Joey Chestnut, 40, with a net worth estimated around $4 million, has dominated the July 4 event for over a decade. His record includes winning the contest 16 times in the past 17 years and consuming an eye-watering 62 hot dogs and buns in 2023.
The Aftermath of the Endorsement
With surprise and disappointment, MLE head George Shea referred to Chestnut’s endorsement of Impossible Foods as a “disaster” in a recent interview. “His representatives informed us that a deal has already been finalized with a plant-based meat company producing hot dogs, and that was it” Shea explained.
He added, “He didn’t bring up the alternative offer for discussion. It was presented as a done deal, which made any further negotiation extremely difficult.”
Sources hinted that a resolution might be plausible before July 4, though the ball is in Chestnut’s court. Despite multiple attempts, Chestnut was unavailable for comment.
In another development, adult entertainment site CamSoda has reportedly offered Chestnut a substantial amount – “up to $1 million”, to headline their inaugural online hot dog eating contest, ‘Weiner Wallop’ scheduled for this 4th of July.
Around 15 “Let Joey Eat” petitions on Change.org have surfaced, indicating a considerable backing for Chestnut amidst controversy.
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