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 June 27, 2025

Liver King charged after traveling to Austin, confronting Joe Rogan

A bizarre confrontation between social media sensation Brian Johnson, known as "Liver King," and podcast mogul Joe Rogan has escalated into a serious legal matter in Austin, Texas.

According to Breitbart, Johnson was arrested and charged with making terroristic threats, a Class B misdemeanor, after traveling to Austin with the explicit purpose of confronting Rogan. The arrest took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Austin around 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Netflix star, known for his controversial raw meat diet and lifestyle, had posted a series of increasingly erratic videos on Instagram, where he maintains a following of 2.9 million followers. The videos showed Johnson making direct challenges to Rogan, claiming he was willing to engage in physical combat under any conditions set by the podcast host.

Escalating Social Media Confrontation Raises Alarms

Johnson's Instagram activity became increasingly concerning as he posted multiple videos targeting Rogan. In one particularly troubling video, he declared his willingness to "die" for his family while challenging Rogan to a fight.

The Austin Police Department confirmed they were alerted to the threatening nature of Johnson's social media posts. Detectives reached out to Rogan, who stated he had never interacted with Johnson and viewed the posts as threatening.

Police acted swiftly upon Johnson's arrival in Austin, with video footage showing the social media influencer being handcuffed and searched before being placed in a police vehicle. The footage was later shared on Johnson's own Instagram account.

Raw Meat Influencer's Mental State Questioned

Johnson's behavior in the videos drew concern from his followers, with many commenting on his unusual appearance and erratic speech patterns. Some noted his dilated pupils and blue-tinted mouth in the footage.

In one particularly bizarre video, Johnson filmed himself from his hotel shower while allegedly performing a "coffee enema," insisting that he meant no real harm to Rogan. He repeatedly denied making death threats, though his aggressive tone and unusual behavior suggested otherwise.

The social media star continued posting multiple videos, even as police were reportedly en route to his location. His rambling messages mixed declarations of peaceful intent with aggressive challenges and explicit language directed at Rogan.

Steroid Controversy Fuels Apparent Vendetta

The conflict appears to stem from Rogan's previous comments about Johnson's 2022 steroid scandal. Leaked emails had revealed Johnson was spending $11,000 monthly on steroids while claiming his physique was achieved naturally through his raw meat diet.

Rogan had openly criticized Johnson's dishonesty on his podcast, stating, "There's no way you can look like that in your 40's. I mean, he's preposterously jacked." The podcast host, who admits to using testosterone, emphasized his own transparency compared to Johnson's deception.

Some sources suggest Johnson believes he deserves credit for Rogan's supplement business success, though this connection remains unclear. The revelation about Johnson's steroid use had significantly damaged his credibility among followers.

Why This Story Matters

This case highlights how threats made on social media can rapidly escalate into real-life situations involving law enforcement. It serves as a reminder of the fine line between entertainment and harassment in influencer culture. It also underscores the responsibility high-profile individuals bear in shaping online discourse, particularly when mental health is involved. Most importantly, it reaffirms the role of police intervention in preventing potential harm before it unfolds.

Conclusion

Brian Johnson, better known as “Liver King,” was arrested in Austin this week after releasing a sequence of increasingly alarming videos directed at podcast mogul Joe Rogan. Determined to confront Rogan in person, Johnson arrived in Austin and was detained at a luxury hotel under a charge of terroristic threat, a Class B misdemeanor.

His conduct, driven by a past public fallout over steroid use, included explicit challenges to a fight, odd physical signs, disturbing declarations, and public concern from his followers. Despite denying criminal intent, Johnson’s statements were taken seriously by law enforcement after Rogan expressed concern for his safety. This ongoing incident demonstrates the real-world implications of unchecked behavior on digital platforms.

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Written By: Rampart Stonebridge

I'm Rampart Stonebridge, a curious and passionate writer who can't get enough of true crime. As a criminal investigative journalist, I put on my detective hat, delving deep into each case to reveal the hidden truths. My mission? To share engaging stories and shed light on the complexities of our mysterious world, all while satisfying your curiosity about the intriguing realm of true crime.
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