Liver King Brian Johnson arrested for threatening Joe Rogan

On June 24, 2025, in the United States, fitness influencer Brian Johnson, widely known as the 'Liver King,' was arrested in Austin after making threats against podcaster Joe Rogan. Johnson challenged Rogan to a fight via a series of aggressive Instagram videos, claiming he would confront Rogan, despite having no martial arts training. His comments led police to obtain an arrest warrant based on the threat they perceived from his posts. Johnson was taken into custody at a hotel in Austin, where he continued to share videos discussing the situation up until his arrest. The situation escalated when Joe Rogan, who had never interacted with Johnson directly, expressed concern regarding the instability and possible drug issues associated with Johnson. Following the backlash surrounding his previous admissions of steroid use, Johnson's actions seemed to stem from a desire to gain attention and maintain his controversial public image. He had previously faced legal troubles for deceptive marketing practices related to his fitness supplements, which reinforced the public's critical view of him. Johnson's arrest for making a terroristic threat, categorized as a misdemeanor in Texas, has drawn considerable media attention, especially given his history of promoting an extreme fitness lifestyle that includes an ancestral diet primarily consisting of raw meat and organs. His lifestyle choices, coupled with public scrutiny over his steroid use and the personal challenges he has faced, have painted a picture of someone struggling to reconcile his public persona with his personal life. The events surrounding his attempts to confront Rogan appeared to be fueled by a mix of bravado and possibly deeper issues related to his mental health. Following his arrest, Johnson remained in custody for a short time and was held on a bond of $20,000. He later managed to post bond, and upon release, he returned to his social media platforms, where he continued to share his side of the story to his followers. The ongoing investigation and reaction from various sides, including Rogan's lack of comments on the arrest, leave questions surrounding the future of Johnson's public image and fitness business, particularly as he navigates the aftermath of his charges, public perception, and personal accountability.