Liver King Arrested Threatening Joe Rogan sent shockwaves through social media this week after fitness influencer Brian “Liver King” Johnson was arrested in Austin for a bizarre Instagram video in which he challenged podcaster Joe Rogan to a physical fight.
In a raw, visceral clip, Johnson—dressed in a wolf pelt and holding gold‑plated guns—issued a direct “man‑to‑man” fight challenge to Rogan, explicitly stating, “I have no training in jiu‑jitsu. You’re a black belt… I’m picking a fight with you” with the ominous promise “you’ll pay”. Alarmed authorities tracked Johnson’s movements as he headed to Austin, obtained a warrant, and arrested him at the Four Seasons Hotel without incident, booking him on a Class B misdemeanor charge for making terroristic threats.
The Arrest and Official Charges
Austin Police say Johnson was taken into custody around 6 p.m. local time on June 24, 2025, at the Four Seasons in downtown Austin. Investigators reviewed the Instagram videos, contacted Rogan—who confirmed he had never met Johnson but found the posts threatening—and obtained a warrant for a terroristic threat charge. Bail was set at $20,000, and Johnson remains jailed pending the next court hearing.
The Provocative Instagram Videos
The videos show Johnson bear‑crawling, pacing a hotel room, praying with family, and brandishing firearms while delivering direct threats to Rogan. In one chilling segment, he says: “I’m not gonna train but I hope you’ve been training… I’ll come to you, whenever you’re ready.” The footage of him being arrested was also shared publicly from his account.
Johnson’s Rise—and Fall—as “Liver King”
Brian Johnson shot to fame by promoting an aggressive “ancestral lifestyle” featuring daily raw meat, organ meat consumption, and extreme fitness principles. This notoriety earned him millions of followers and a Netflix feature in Untold: The Liver King.
However, Johnson admitted in 2022 to secretly spending $11,000 monthly on anabolic steroids and HGH—contradicting his long‑standing claim that his physique was solely natural. This revelation resulted in multiple lawsuits alleging misleading marketing, culminating in a $25 million class‑action settlement.
Joe Rogan’s Role & Public Reaction
Although Rogan and Johnson never met, Rogan had previously referred to Johnson during a 2022 podcast episode, calling attention to steroid suspicions. In the current case, Rogan told investigators he viewed the threats as “threatening,” which prompted the warrant. Rogan has not issued a public comment since the arrest was completed.
Broader Concerns: Safety, Legalities & Mental Health
While the charges currently remain misdemeanor terroristic threats—punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or $2,000 fines under Texas law—many fans and mental‑health experts have raised concerns about Johnson’s mental state, citing erratic speech patterns, dissociation, and potentially psychotic behavior.
Why This Matters
- Social media accountability: This case underscores how online threats can quickly become criminal charges.
- The influence of health‑care misinformation: Johnson’s defamation from steroid use, combined with his dramatic confrontation, highlights how influencers can both mislead and escalate tensions.
- Celebrity mental‑health spotlight: The episode spotlights mental‑health risks faced by major influencers under public scrutiny.
In‑Depth Analysis
- Legal precedent: Though misdemeanor in classification, such “terroristic threats” under Texas law carry real legal implications. The fact that Rogan felt intimidated was critical to the charge(m.economictimes.com).
- Brand implosion: Johnson’s once‑booming supplement enterprises will likely face fallout—loss of sponsorships, lawsuits, and declining trust.
- Celebrity dynamics: This is more than a clash—it’s an example of how social media fame turns volatile when online theatrics go too far and provoke a real legal response.
Conclusion: What Can We Learn?
The Liver King Arrested Threatening Joe Rogan saga is a cautionary testament to the blurred line between curated online identity and real‑world responsibility. Brian Johnson’s pursuit of primal fame, steroid-fueled empire, and dramatic threat has culminated in a legal reckoning with serious consequences. As this case unfolds, it’s a stark reminder: influencers must navigate fame responsibly, especially when aggression crosses into criminality.
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