Joey Chestnut, one of the most recognizable figures in competitive eating, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge following a bar altercation in Indiana.
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According to Us Weekly, the 42-year-old also received 180 days of probation after the incident.
Despite the charge, Chestnut has reportedly received permission to travel outside the state. This is to defend his Mustard Belt title at the annual Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.
The famous competition will take place on July 4 in Coney Island, New York. Chestnut will attempt to claim his 18th title.
Joey Chestnut Accused of Slapping Man During Indiana Incident
Authorities allege that Chestnut slapped a man shortly before 2AM on March 21 at Joe's Grill.
According to the accuser, the competitive eating star "struck him on the left side of his face with an open right hand after the two exchanged a friendly handshake".
Reports also claim that Chestnut attempted to provoke the accuser's friend following the alleged slap.
After the altercation, Chestnut allegedly "changed his tone" and insisted that "everything is ok" and that "nothing happened".
Police later questioned the eating champion, who admitted he was "pretty drunk and didn't remember" the incident.
Surveillance footage from the bar reportedly captured the encounter.
An affidavit stated that Chestnut later said the slap "looked like a joke". He added that he "must have taken offense" to something.
Police Reviewed Surveillance Footage From the Incident
Authorities later described what they observed on the video footage.
"The accused pulled [the victim] forward, moves closer and uses his right hand to strike [the victim] on the face with an open hand," a statement read.
"[The victim] is observed reacting to the strike and moving his head downward and holding it there while the accused stands over him and [his friend]. [Chestnut] moves toward [the victim] again and [the victim] moves away from the accused."
"The touching was rude, insolent or angry because the open-handed strike was nonconsensual to the victim in a manner that caused pain while the accused allegedly used provocative language toward the victim to illicit a reaction."
"The touching resulted in bodily injury to [victim] in that he had a complaint of pain to the left side of his face."
The incident ultimately resulted in battery charges.
Chestnut's representatives later said he "regrets engaging and the interaction being misinterpreted".
They added that the eating champion often interacts with fans in a playful way, but will be more mindful moving forward.
Chestnut's attorney, Mario Massillamany, also said his client "took full responsibility" for what he described as a "misunderstanding."
