Austin, TX — Brian Johnson, better known as the “Liver King,” was arrested Tuesday evening, June 24, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Texas, on charges of making terroristic threats against podcast host and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. The social media influencer, famed for his raw meat-eating “ancestral lifestyle,” allegedly posted a series of threatening videos on Instagram targeting Rogan, prompting swift action from the Austin Police Department (APD).
According to police reports, Johnson’s Instagram posts, including one on June 23 where he declared, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, my name’s Liver King. Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you,” raised alarms. In the video, Johnson, shirtless and wearing a wolf head hat, challenged Rogan to a fight, acknowledging Rogan’s black belt in jiu-jitsu while claiming he had no training himself. Other posts showed Johnson ranting, holding gold-plated pistols, and appearing increasingly erratic, with one video capturing the moments before his arrest as he discussed impending jail time.
APD detectives, after reviewing the posts and noting Johnson’s travel to Austin—where Rogan resides—obtained an arrest warrant for a Class B misdemeanor charge of terroristic threat, which carries a potential fine of up to $2,000 and up to six months in jail. Rogan, who told police he had never interacted with Johnson, described the posts as threatening and suggested Johnson appeared “significantly unstable” and in need of help, according to legal documents obtained by TMZ. Rogan also reportedly mentioned hearing that Johnson had a “significant drug issue,” though no official confirmation of this claim has been provided.
Johnson, 47, rose to fame promoting his “ancestral” lifestyle, centered on consuming raw animal organs like liver and testicles, which he claimed fueled his muscular physique. His empire crumbled in 2022 after leaked emails revealed he spent $11,000 monthly on steroids and human growth hormone, contradicting his natural fitness claims. The Netflix documentary Untold: The Liver King, released in May 2025, chronicled his rise and fall, with some reports suggesting Johnson blames Rogan for contributing to the scandal’s impact on his supplement business.
Following his arrest, Johnson was released on a $20,000 bond and resumed posting on Instagram, vowing his videos “will never stop” while claiming adherence to a restraining order. Fans have expressed concern for his mental health, with some speculating about schizophrenia or substance abuse, though no medical diagnoses have been confirmed. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with users like @DocumentingATX noting the arrest and others, such as @ThorTorrens, joking about “Vitamin A toxicity” or drug use.
The arrest marks another chapter in the controversial influencer’s saga, leaving followers and critics alike questioning what’s next for the Liver King. Neither Johnson nor Rogan have commented further on the incident.
Sources: ABC News, TMZ, KXAN Austin, The Independent, Yahoo News
