‘Liver King’ Arrested in Austin for Threatening Joe Rogan

Austin, Texas – Brian Johnson, widely known as the “Liver King,” was arrested on June 24, 2025, in Austin, Texas, on a charge of terroristic threat, a Class B misdemeanor, after making threatening social media posts targeting podcast host Joe Rogan. The arrest followed a series of bizarre Instagram videos where Johnson challenged Rogan to a physical fight, prompting concern from authorities and Rogan himself.

According to the Austin Police Department (APD), Johnson, 47, posted multiple videos on Instagram expressing his intent to confront Rogan. In one video, he stated, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, my name’s Liver King. Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you,” while another showed him crawling on all fours, mimicking a primate, and declaring he was “willing to die” for the challenge. The posts escalated when Johnson announced he was traveling to Austin, where Rogan resides, to pursue the confrontation. Detectives contacted Rogan, who confirmed he had never interacted with Johnson and found the videos threatening.

APD apprehended Johnson at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin shortly after his arrival. He was booked into Travis County Jail, and the investigation remains ongoing. The charge of terroristic threat carries potential penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000, though no court date has been publicly confirmed at this time.

Johnson, a social media influencer with millions of followers, rose to fame promoting an “ancestral lifestyle” centered on a “primal” diet that includes consuming raw liver, testicles, and other organ meats. He has marketed this regimen as a path to optimal health and masculinity, often showcasing his muscular physique and unconventional behaviors, such as eating raw meat or engaging in extreme physical stunts. However, his credibility took a hit in 2022 when he admitted to using anabolic steroids, contradicting earlier claims that his physique was solely the result of his diet and lifestyle.

The incident has sparked significant discussion online, particularly on X, where users have shared clips of Johnson’s threatening videos and speculated about his motives. Some posts highlight his increasingly erratic behavior, including references to being “caged” or “imprisoned,” while others mock his dramatic challenge to Rogan, a well-known figure in fitness and martial arts circles. Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience, has not publicly commented on the incident beyond his statement to police.

This arrest adds to the controversial saga of the Liver King, whose public persona has oscillated between admiration for his fitness advocacy and criticism for his misleading claims about steroid use. As the case develops, attention remains on how Johnson’s actions will impact his brand and whether further legal consequences will follow.

For now, Austin authorities continue to investigate, and the public awaits any response from Johnson or his team. The incident underscores the real-world implications of online threats and the volatile nature of social media-driven celebrity culture.