Social media personality Brian Johnson, widely known as “Liver King,” was arrested in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday evening following a series of aggressive online posts and videos targeting podcast host Joe Rogan.
The controversial fitness influencer, famous for promoting a raw meat-heavy “ancestral” lifestyle, was taken into custody at the Four Seasons Hotel around 6 p.m.
Online Threats Lead to Arrest
The arrest stemmed from videos Johnson posted on his Instagram account challenging Rogan to a fight. In one video posted on Monday, Johnson declared, “Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you.” This challenge came despite Johnson admitting he had no martial arts training, starkly contrasting with Rogan, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Johnson stated he would fight “whenever you’re ready,” even suggesting Rogan “should dismantle” him or that being choked out by the podcaster would be a “dream come true.”
Austin Police detectives reviewed Johnson’s posts and noted he was traveling to Austin while continuing to make these threatening statements. Authorities contacted Joe Rogan, who confirmed he had never interacted with Johnson previously and found the posts threatening. Based on Rogan’s statements and the nature of the posts, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Johnson.
Moments Before Custody
Footage posted to Johnson’s own Instagram account reportedly captured the moments leading up to his arrest. Videos depicted him pacing in a room, discussing his impending arrest and a confrontation with Rogan. In some clips, he appeared shirtless or wearing a fur headdress, potentially holding objects resembling firearms. Discussions about taking a knife were also reportedly overheard. Just before police arrived, he was filmed with his wife and sons, discussing a “free Wi-Fi password” jokingly stated as “F–k Joe Rogan,” followed by a group hug and prayer as sirens became audible. Another video showed an officer patting him down while he was handcuffed before he was placed into a police vehicle. Johnson was booked into the Travis County Jail later that evening.
Charge and Ongoing Investigation
Brian Johnson has been charged with Terroristic Threat, classified as a Class B misdemeanor. As of reports, he remained in Travis County Jail, and the Austin Police Department stated the investigation is active and ongoing, declining to provide further details.
Background of Controversy
The incident adds another dramatic turn to Liver King’s public life. Johnson, 47, gained fame for his muscular physique, which he attributed to following nine ancestral tenets and consuming raw animal organs. However, he faced significant backlash starting in December 2022 after admitting he had lied to his followers about using anabolic steroids and human growth hormone, reportedly spending $11,000 a month on performance-enhancing drugs. His confession video has been viewed millions of times and led to legal troubles and criticism from former supporters.
Medical and nutritional experts have long raised concerns about Johnson’s promoted practices. Harvard Medical School psychiatry professor Dr. Harrison Pope has warned about the dangers of extreme body image focus and steroid use. Doctors have also cautioned against the consumption of raw meat due to the serious risks of bacterial infection.
While Johnson has never been a guest on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Rogan has discussed Liver King on previous episodes, particularly addressing the steroid use controversy.
