Brian Johnson, better known as the Liver King, has been arrested in Austin, Texas, after posting multiple threatening videos directed at podcaster Joe Rogan. Johnson, famed for his extreme raw meat diet and “ancestral lifestyle,” is now facing a Class B misdemeanor charge of making a terroristic threat, which carries up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
What Led to the Arrest?
The arrest followed a series of social media videos in which Johnson challenged Rogan to a physical confrontation. Dressed in tactical gear and brandishing what appeared to be golden firearms, Johnson repeatedly referenced traveling to Rogan’s city and confronting him “man to man.”
Authorities in Travis County reviewed the footage and deemed it credible enough to issue an arrest warrant. Rogan reportedly confirmed to police that he felt threatened, despite having never met Johnson in person. The Austin Police Department arrested Johnson on June 24, 2025, setting bond at $20,000.
👉 Full details reported by Chron
Who Is the Liver King?
Brian Johnson rose to fame in 2021–2022 by promoting an “ancestral” lifestyle involving:
- Consuming raw organ meat daily (liver, heart, testicles)
- Cold exposure and sun exposure
- Avoiding modern processed foods and comforts
- Selling supplements through a company reportedly worth $100 million
He claimed to be steroid-free and gained a massive following, with millions across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. However, in late 2022, leaked emails revealed Johnson was spending $11,000/month on performance-enhancing drugs, contradicting his earlier statements. The fallout included lawsuits and a significant credibility loss.
Despite the controversy, Johnson remained active online and was even the subject of a Netflix documentary, Untold: The Liver King, which detailed his rise and deception.
What Exactly Did He Say to Joe Rogan?
In several Instagram videos, Johnson stated:
“Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out. Man to man. I have zero training in jiu-jitsu. You’re a black belt. You should dismantle me… I’ll come to you, whenever you’re ready.”
But what concerned authorities most was the visual element: he was seen holding what appeared to be golden pistols and speaking in increasingly aggressive tones. Given Rogan’s public platform and the physical threat implied, local police took the matter seriously.
These actions triggered an investigation and led to Johnson’s arrest on charges of making a terroristic threat, a criminal offense that involves threatening violence serious enough to alarm the public or an individual.
Understanding the Legal Charge: What Is a “Terroristic Threat”?
Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.07, a terroristic threat includes any threat to commit violence with the intent to:
- Cause fear of imminent serious harm
- Interrupt public services or places
- Influence the conduct or actions of another
Johnson’s challenge, paired with his apparent travel toward Rogan’s city and display of weapons, pushed his behavior beyond parody or online antics, legally speaking.
Influencer Culture and Dangerous Extremes
This arrest raises broader concerns about online behavior among influencers. The Liver King brand was always theatrical—but now it has entered the realm of public danger. This isn’t the first time influencers have used dangerous stunts to stay relevant, but crossing into threats of violence, especially involving firearms, changes the legal and ethical equation.
It also reflects how influencer culture can blur the line between performance and real-world risk. As platforms like Instagram and TikTok reward attention at all costs, content creators may escalate actions to retain followers, regardless of legality or safety.
Industry Reaction and Public Opinion
Reactions to the arrest are mixed. Some followers defend Johnson, claiming the videos were satirical or misunderstood. Others criticize him harshly, arguing that he represents the worst impulses of internet fame. Major outlets like People, Chron, and MySA have all covered the arrest in detail.
Joe Rogan has not made a public statement since the arrest. His last public comments on Johnson were in 2022, when he criticized the Liver King’s steroid use and called his brand a “lie built on raw meat.”
Could This Impact His Business?
Yes. Johnson’s supplement company may face further scrutiny, especially if the arrest leads to conviction. Brands and platforms may also begin to distance themselves from him, especially amid rising concern over influencer accountability.
Depending on the court outcome, Johnson may lose the right to carry firearms, travel freely, or engage in certain business activities. This could spell long-term consequences for his brand.
Conclusion: The End of the Liver King Era?
Brian Johnson’s arrest may mark the final chapter in a wild influencer story that spiraled from primal wellness to public endangerment. His dramatic rise and equally dramatic fall underscore how fragile online fame can be—and how quickly it can turn into legal jeopardy.
