Fitness blogger Brian Johnson, also known as “Liver King,” was taken into custody on Tuesday in Austin, Texas, for allegedly sending terroristic threats against famous podcaster Joe Rogan. The arrest came after a series of threatening video messages Johnson made on Instagram, where he has more than 3 million followers, which called out Rogan for a physical altercation and threatened him with safety.
Johnson went to Austin, where Rogan lives, according to the Austin Police Department, and posted several video messages tagging and addressing directly the UFC commentator and podcast host. In one of the videos, Johnson stated, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, my name’s Liver King. Man to man, I’m challenging you. I don’t know jiu-jitsu, you’re a black belt, you should have your way with me. But I’m challenging you. Your rules, I’ll come at you when you’re ready.”
In a later post, Johnson ratcheted up the language, adding, “You never come across something like this, willing to die, hoping that you’ll choke me out because that’s a dream come true.”
View this post on Instagram
Rogan Found Messages Threatening; Police Acted Quickly
Police reached out to Rogan, who verified that he had never spoken with Johnson previously and regarded the videos as threatening and unnerving. Officers soon arrested Johnson at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin and charged him with terroristic threat, a class B misdemeanor according to Texas law.
Johnson shared the arrest footage on his Instagram, generating more online interest and discussion among his fans.
Controversial Rise to Fame of Liver King
Brian Johnson became online famous as the “Liver King,” selling an “ancestral lifestyle” that features eating raw meat and animal organs, especially liver. He has frequently asserted that this diet results in better strength, energy, and masculinity, though his dietary philosophy has come under heated attack from health professionals.
Johnson’s name had also surfaced on Joe Rogan’s show in the past, particularly in the context of steroid allegations. Johnson had initially denied taking performance-enhancing drugs but later came clean about taking steroids, admitting that he had deceived his followers.
