Fitness Influencer Faces Charges Following Online Rant
Brian Johnson, widely known as Liver King, has been arrested in Austin, Texas, following a series of bizarre social media posts where he aggressively called out podcast host Joe Rogan. The Liver King, infamous for promoting an “ancestral lifestyle” and consuming raw organ meats, now faces a Class B Misdemeanor charge for making a terroristic threat. The arrest took place on Tuesday evening, with the Liver King booked into Travis County Jail at 8:31 p.m., according to official records.
Liver King in the Instagram video where he aggressively called out podcast host Joe Rogan. [Credit: @liverking /Instagram]
[Credit: @liverking /Instagram]
[Credit: @liverking /Instagram]
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Arrest Linked to Social Media Outbursts
In the days leading up to his arrest, Johnson posted multiple erratic videos on Instagram. In these clips, he challenged Joe Rogan to a fight, appeared agitated, and made vague allusions to prison and arrest. Footage from his own page showed him pacing around a room, putting on a tactical vest, and attempting to pocket a utility knife, prompting concern from his own cameraman. He repeatedly urged his followers to film everything and instructed his sons to upload the videos online in case of his arrest.
Liver King during his arrest [Credit: @liverking /Instagram]
The Liver King has never appeared on Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, but their strained relationship dates back to 2022 when Rogan publicly questioned Johnson’s claim that he was steroid-free. That year, leaked emails revealed Johnson spent more than $11,000 monthly on steroids and human growth hormone, forcing him to admit the truth. Netflix later chronicled this downfall in its documentary Untold: The Liver King.
Dramatic Scene Unfolds in Austin
In one particularly surreal moment before his arrest, Johnson told those around him, “If I’m arrested,” while showing a box with Rogan’s logo and stating that it should go to the “Mothership,” referring to Rogan’s comedy club in Austin. He also led his family in a group prayer as sirens blared in the background. Shortly afterwards, Austin police took him into custody outside what appeared to be a hotel, as seen in a video uploaded to his Instagram account. His wife, Bozena “Barbara” Johnson, stood nearby while police escorted him to a squad car.
The Liver King arrest has sparked online speculation, with many questioning whether Joe Rogan was the direct target of the threat. So far, the Austin Police Department has not officially confirmed the identity of the individual threatened. However, social media posts from Johnson suggest a clear fixation on Rogan.
Joe Rogan [Syfy/NBCUniversal/Getty Images]
No Training, But Picking a Fight
In one video, Johnson boldly declared, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out… I have no training in Jiu-jitsu; you’re a black belt, you should dismantle me. But I’m picking a fight with you. Your rules, I’ll come to you, whenever you’re ready.”
He then added in another post, “You can hold the hand of somebody you love, because you’re going to need something to fight for. I have my family to fight for, and I’ll die for them.” These statements, while dramatic, raised alarm bells for viewers and likely contributed to his arrest.
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Fallout and Reactions
The Liver King Joe Rogan saga has long intrigued fans of both personalities. Rogan, who moved to Austin in 2020 and now resides in a $14.4 million home, has yet to respond publicly to Johnson’s arrest or his online provocations.
Even controversial media figure Alex Jones chimed in, claiming Johnson had been arrested “for travelling to Austin to attack Joe Rogan.” While Jones is not a credible source, Johnson’s own videos heavily suggest he meant to confront Rogan.
Johnson’s reputation has taken multiple hits over the past few years. His supplement empire suffered after his steroid use scandal, and his public credibility has continued to decline. This latest incident may further damage his brand and reinforce his fall from grace.
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Conclusion
The Liver King arrest marks yet another chapter in the chaotic story of Brian Johnson. Once a revered fitness icon with millions of followers, he now finds himself at odds with law enforcement and public opinion. Whether Liver King Austin police footage circulates more widely or Joe Rogan eventually responds, this event underscores the blurred lines between online spectacle and real-world consequences.
