AUSTIN, TEXAS — Brian Johnson, the fitness influencer known as “Liver King”, was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly posting threatening messages aimed at podcaster Joe Rogan.
The arrest followed a dramatic Instagram rant in which Johnson, notorious for his eccentric eating habits and self-described “ancestral lifestyle,” challenged Rogan to a physical fight.
Authorities say that Johnson, who has a massive following of 2.9 million on Instagram, was taken into custody by the Austin Police Department after detectives were alerted to a series of online threats.
The threats came as Johnson continued to post disturbing messages while en route to Austin, Rogan’s hometown.
The Threatening Instagram Rant
The series of Instagram videos posted by Johnson on June 23 escalated in intensity, culminating in a direct call-out to Rogan. In one of the videos, a shirtless Johnson is seen holding what appeared to be two golden firearms while issuing a challenge to Rogan.
“Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out,” Johnson says in the video. “My name’s Liver King. Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you. I have zero training in jiu-jitsu. You’re a black belt, you should dismantle me. But I’m picking a fight with you. Your rules.”
He continues the rant by saying, “You can’t pick a fight with a real king. And then expect there not to be an actual fight, bro.”
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Detectives and Rogan’s Response
After seeing the videos, detectives reached out to Joe Rogan, who confirmed that he had no prior interactions with Johnson. Rogan told authorities that he considered the posts to be threatening, prompting law enforcement to act.
Later that day, authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Johnson. He was taken into custody at a nearby Four Seasons Hotel without incident.
A video of the arrest was then posted to Johnson’s own Instagram account, showing him being handcuffed while sitting in the back of a police vehicle.
Liver King’s Online Persona and Previous Controversies
Known for his controversial diet, which includes eating raw meat and following a self-declared “ancestral lifestyle,” Liver King has gained significant attention on social media for his extreme fitness routines and unorthodox approach to health.
However, he has also been embroiled in past controversies, including steroid use.
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In 2023, Rogan discussed Johnson’s alleged use of steroids on his podcast. Initially, Johnson denied the claims but later issued an apology to his viewers after the allegations were proven true.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Johnson was charged with allegedly making a terroristic threat following his Instagram rants and was transported to the Travis County Jail. The charge is a serious offense, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the situation.
The arrest of Liver King has drawn widespread attention, as many are surprised that the influencer’s online antics have escalated to this level.
Johnson’s fans, who have been following his fitness advice and diet routines, are now left to reconsider the impact of his increasingly controversial behavior.
What’s Next for Liver King?
The situation raises important questions about celebrity behavior on social media and the potential consequences of using platforms for public incitement or threats.
It remains to be seen how this incident will affect Liver King’s reputation and his future in the fitness community.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe Liver King’s actions should result in legal consequences, or was this just an unfortunate outburst? How do you feel about celebrities using social media to express threats? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
