Chesapeake Man Is Finalist in PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan Next Door’ Contest

Math Professor and Marathon Runner Credits Meat-Free Meals With Keeping Him in Peak Condition

For Immediate Release:
April 27, 2015

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

It’s time for PETA to name this year’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door—and 32-year-old Chesapeake resident Matthew Watts might just take home the title. He beat out hundreds of other entrants from across the U.S. to become one of 10 male contestants to advance to the final round. Visitors to PETA.org can now help PETA decide whom it should pick as the two lucky winners—one male and one female—who will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of Humane Travel.

“All of PETA’s finalists are as attractive on the inside as they are on the outside, thanks to their decision to choose meals that are kind to animals, the planet, and their health,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “On average, vegans are fitter and trimmer than meat-eaters are—and of course, they spare the lives of more than 100 animals every year.”

Watts says that his energy, strength, and endurance have skyrocketed since he went vegan over a decade ago, helping him to run marathons and prompting his doctor to call Watts and his wife—who’s also a vegan—the “healthiest people in town.” And this endurance athlete has brains, too: Watts is an assistant professor of mathematics who’s currently working on his Ph.D. When he’s not hitting the books, he enjoys playing bass guitar, cooking delicious vegan food, and spending time with his wife and their three beloved rescued cats.

Voting to help PETA determine whom it should select as the winners ends at noon EDT on May 1. PETA will select the winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here. Winners will be notified and announced by May 6.

For more information and to cast your vote, please click here.