Liver King Arrested in Austin for Alleged Threats Against Joe Rogan, Held Without Bond

Johnson, 47, known across social media as the “Liver King,” faces a misdemeanor charge of making a terroristic threat.

Disgraced fitness influencer Brian Johnson, known online as the “Liver King,” has been arrested in Austin, Texas, after allegedly traveling to confront podcast host Joe Rogan and making what authorities described as a "terroristic threat."

Johnson, 47, was taken into custody by Austin Police around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and booked into Travis County Jail. He was held without bond. The Houston native had reportedly launched a days-long erratic social media campaign filled with threats and disturbing behavior directed at Rogan.

Johnson blames Rogan for helping to unravel his supplement empire after the famed podcaster addressed his 2022 steroid scandal on air

Authorities say the arrest stems from a string of bizarre videos Johnson posted online, including footage showing him ranting from a shower at the Four Seasons in Austin. In the video, he directly addressed Rogan, saying, “I challenge you today, Joe Rogan,” while simultaneously claiming, “I wouldn’t want to kill you… I hope none of this is perceived as a threat.”

In other videos, Johnson was seen wearing a wolf’s head, dancing with what appeared to be two gold-plated guns, and telling Rogan he would win in a fight. One clip appeared to show his arrest, as officers handcuffed and searched him outside the hotel while onlookers watched.

In one of the other threatening videos, Johnson dances around holding what appears to be two gold-plated guns, wearing a wolf head on his head, telling Rogan he should comfortably win in the fight

Johnson, whose popularity exploded through extreme “ancestral living” content involving eating raw organ meats, fell from grace in 2022 after leaked emails exposed his $11,000-per-month steroid regimen—contradicting his repeated claims of a “natural” physique.

Joe Rogan, who has been a vocal critic of Johnson, discussed the scandal on his podcast, calling Johnson’s physique “preposterously jacked” and saying, “There’s no way you can look like that in your 40s naturally.” Rogan’s comments are believed to have contributed to Johnson’s public unraveling.

Minutes before his arrest, Johnson is seen frantically pacing around the living room with meditation music playing, talking about going to “prison,” being “arrested,” and “fighting” Rogan.

In another one of his videos, Johnson referenced a previous incident in Poland, where he was detained at Krakow Airport for attempting to travel with ammunition in his luggage. He received a fine and paid investigation costs. He also claimed to suffer from PTSD following the Polish detainment and expressed fears of being jailed again, especially near his family.

Johnson recently reemerged on social media following the April release of Netflix’s Untold: The Liver King, a documentary chronicling his rise and fall. The film featured his eventual confession and a behind-the-scenes look at how he crafted his viral persona.

Fitness influencer “Liver King” was arrested on Tuesday

Despite his apology, Johnson faced a $25 million lawsuit from customers who claimed his deceptive marketing led them to buy his supplements. The lawsuit was later dropped.

Johnson’s latest arrest adds to his growing list of controversies, highlighting the increasingly concerning behavior of the once-popular influencer. It remains unclear when he will appear in court or whether additional charges will be filed.

Johnson's wife is referred to as 'The Liver Queen' and shares in his raw food beliefs