Activists Target Hot Dog Eating Contest: ‘Deathstar’ Is No Match for Champion Joey Chestnut
The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held at Coney Island, N.Y. has gained more media attention than normal, as activist group Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) tried to steal the show. Activists played out a stunt using a “Star Wars” Darth Vader mask and a sign displaying “EXPOSE SMITHFIELD’S DEATHSTAR.”
Within seconds, contestant Joey Chestnut shut it down.
What is Smithfield’s ‘Deathstar’?
In 2017, activists from DxE gained access to Smithfield Foods’ facilities, known as Circle Four Farms, located in Beaver County, Utah.
Two California men await trial for allegedly stealing pigs from the farm in 2017. The men maintain their actions were to save the pigs from the “inhumane” operation.
Despite the activist’s agenda, this Utah county finds many positive attributes coming from the local production facility.
Circle Four Farms includes several hog barns and employs nearly 450 people, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 jobs in the county, according to a Salt Lake Tribune news article.
Upon Smithfield Foods’ recent announcement to decline operations in the western region, including a closure of its Vernon, Calif. facility, Beaver County officials have since described the event as ‘devastating’ to the local economy.
With job cuts on the horizon at Circle Four Farms expected to total nearly 250, the Utah county also expects to lose students and teachers in the school system, as many families might move away from the area to find employment.
The Stunt
Nathan’s Hog Dog Eating Contest receives their hot dogs from Smithfield Foods, which likely led the activist group to target the televised event.
In total, three DxE affiliated activists attended the event dressed in “Star Wars” gear before being placed in custody.
As one of the activists stormed the stage, Joey Chestnut quickly took down the activist via chokehold as security rushed to the incident. Barstool Sports described Chestnut as “unfazed” during the incident.
Despite the brief interruption, Chestnut was able to claim the champion title for 2022. He consumed a total of 63 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, beating the second-place finisher by 15 hot dogs and buns.
