A well-known social media fitness influencer who goes by the name "Liver King" was arrested in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday after authorities say he posted threatening messages directed toward popular podcaster Joe Rogan. According to the Austin Police Department, the man behind the persona, Brian Johnson, was taken into custody and charged with making a terroristic threat, a Class B misdemeanor under Texas law.
Police were alerted after Johnson shared a series of Instagram videos in which he repeatedly challenged Rogan to a physical fight and used aggressive language that authorities found alarming. In one of the widely viewed videos posted Monday, Johnson stated, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, my name’s Liver King. Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you.” He continued by acknowledging Rogan’s jiu-jitsu expertise, saying, “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.”
In another video shared the same day, Johnson escalated his rhetoric, expressing a disturbing desire to be choked out by Rogan, calling it a "dream come true." These posts were considered by authorities to be beyond the scope of promotional bravado or performative content, especially after learning that Johnson had traveled to Austin, where Rogan resides. The police contacted Rogan directly, who confirmed he had never had any prior contact or communication with Johnson and interpreted the messages as threatening.
Later that day, Johnson was located and arrested at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Austin without incident. He was formally charged with a terroristic threat, and law enforcement emphasized the seriousness with which they take threats made in person or online, particularly when the individuals involved have massive followings and potential influence over the public.
Johnson, known to his audience as the “Liver King,” rose to viral fame promoting what he describes as an “ancestral lifestyle,” which involves consuming large quantities of raw meat, especially animal organs like liver. His controversial health claims have often been criticized by medical professionals and nutritionists, who caution that such diets can be dangerous and misleading. Johnson's brand centers on extreme dietary habits and masculinity-themed motivation, and he has cultivated an online community of millions of followers.
Despite his high-profile persona, Johnson had never been a guest on Rogan’s hugely successful podcast. However, the Liver King became a topic of discussion in a 2023 episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, in which Rogan and guests spoke critically about Johnson's claims and exposed allegations of steroid use — which Johnson initially denied before later issuing an apology. That particular episode went on to gain more than 8 million views and contributed to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Johnson's platform.
Following his arrest, a video showing Johnson being escorted in handcuffs by police was posted on his own Instagram account, where he maintains more than 3 million followers. The post received a mix of support, concern, and criticism from viewers, reflecting the divided opinion surrounding his online persona.
Neither Johnson nor representatives for Joe Rogan have responded publicly to the arrest or the charges at the time of reporting. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and urged public figures to exercise responsibility when addressing others, especially in ways that could be perceived as violent or threatening.
The arrest of the Liver King adds a new layer of controversy to the influencer world, highlighting how online actions can have very real consequences, particularly when they intersect with the lives of others in potentially dangerous ways.
