Once hailed as a primal-living fitness icon, Brian Johnson—aka the Liver King—has spiraled from influencer fame to legal trouble after a disturbing series of videos that ended in his arrest in Austin, Texas.
The 48-year-old, who once built a massive online following by pushing a raw meat lifestyle, is now facing serious charges after allegedly making “terroristic threats” toward none other than podcast giant Joe Rogan.
The Bizarre Road to Austin
It all began earlier this week when Johnson started posting a flurry of chaotic Instagram videos to his nearly 3 million followers.
In them, he talked about making a pilgrimage to confront Joe Rogan, whom he blames for damaging his career.
Rogan had previously criticized Johnson for misleading fans about his use of steroids—a revelation that blew up in 2022 and triggered Johnson’s dramatic fall from grace.
“I’m Picking a Fight With You”
The videos weren’t just odd—they were unsettling. Johnson, often shirtless and wearing a wolf-head hat, challenged Rogan to a fight.
“I have no training in jiu-jitsu, you have a black belt… you should dismantle me,” he said in one clip.
In another, he displayed a Rogan-branded box topped with an axe, saying ominously, “We come bearing gifts, for those that deserve it.”
Some fans watched in disbelief as the influencer rambled about being “king of the jungle,” performed a coffee enema on camera, and appeared to talk to himself in empty rooms.
The descent into madness was very public—and very worrying.
Arrest at the Four Seasons
By Tuesday, Johnson had made it to Austin and checked into the Four Seasons hotel.
He continued posting videos, including one from the shower where he mentioned being up for 40 hours straight and spoke about a police encounter.
“Did somebody say I was going to kill somebody? I’m going to. I’ve picked a fight… Joe Rogan.”
Though he later insisted he didn’t want to hurt Rogan—“You have a family, I wouldn’t want that to happen”—his rambling statements clearly crossed a line.
By Tuesday night, police arrested him and booked him into the Austin jail on charges of making terroristic threats, a Class B misdemeanor. His bail was set at $20,000.
Wife Shares Arrest Video
Shortly after his arrest, a video surfaced showing Johnson calmly complying as officers patted him down and placed him in a squad car.
His wife filmed the moment, while a member of his team mentioned that he might be held for 24 hours.
Past Prison Fears and Polish Trouble
In yet another video, Johnson referenced a previous encounter with law enforcement—this time in Poland.
Back in August, he was detained at Krakow Airport after authorities found ammo in his luggage.
He paid a fine and reportedly developed PTSD from the experience, which he claims made him nervous about being arrested again in front of his family.
Health Scares and Public Concerns
Amid the chaotic posts, Johnson also made alarming comments about his health.
He claimed a CT scan showed “something in dire straits” and said that he was “dying” last Thanksgiving.
Fans flooded the comments urging his family to step in, expressing concern for his physical and mental wellbeing.
A Netflix Documentary Sparks the Comeback—Then Collapse
Johnson had been relatively quiet since his 2022 steroid scandal, but re-emerged following the release of Netflix’s Untold: The Liver King this April.
The documentary revisited his raw-meat empire, his outrageous claims, and how a leaked email exposed his actual steroid use.
It also highlighted how fellow fitness influencer Derek from More Plates More Dates helped bring the truth to light.
Joe Rogan’s Role in the Downfall
Joe Rogan, who had criticized Johnson after the steroid news broke, was a major part of Johnson’s unraveling.
While Rogan has admitted to using testosterone himself, he called out Johnson for pretending to be “natural” while injecting hormones.
Johnson, clearly still bitter, seemed to fixate on Rogan as the source of his public disgrace.
What Comes Next for the Liver King?
As of now, it’s unclear if Johnson has posted bail.
What’s certain is that his latest stunt—complete with threats, bizarre rants, and brushes with the law—has done further damage to what’s left of his brand.
Whether his antics were a cry for help, an attention grab, or something more serious, only time will tell.
