Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest faces menacing threat just hours before Joey Chestnut's glorious return

The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Friday will be crashed by PETA, the animal-rights organization has revealed.

The annual July 4 tradition is set to take place on Friday in Coney Island, with Joey Chestnut making his return to the event.

But PETA has told TMZ that they will have a presence at the contest, with their mascots dissuading fans from eating hot dogs in favor of vegan versions.

PETA has developed a reputation for its extreme displays over the years, and mascot Tommy Tofu will be among those in attendance on Friday to crash the event.

'Vegan hot dogs are delicious and kind, and who really wants to support slaughterhouses - the word is enough - by buying what comes out of them,' PETA exec Tracy Reiman told TMZ.

'PETA encourages everyone to let freedom ring for all by leaving animals in peace this Fourth of July and beyond.'

Chestnut has won the Fourth of July contest 16 times, and scarfed down a ridiculous 76 hot dogs in 2021. 

The PETA update comes after it was announced Chestnut would be returning to the event after a one-year ban, due to his partnership with vegan food company Impossible Foods (which sells vegan hot dogs).

Major League Eating said at the time that it was 'devastated' by Chestnut apparently choosing his Impossible Foods partnership over competing in the Nathan's competition.

'MLE and Nathan's went to great lengths to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the appearance fee and allowing Joey to compete in a rival, unbranded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day,' they said in a statement.

'Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he has dominated for years. We hope that he returns when he is not representing a rival brand.'

After being welcomed back to the event this year after both parties found 'common ground,' Chestnut broke his silence on X.

'I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life,' Chestnut said.

'While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.'

 'I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground. I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands! Stay hungry!'