'Liver King' charged over Joe Rogan threats

9 News

25-06-2025

Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Social media influencer and star of his namesake Netflix documentary 'Liver King' has been charged after allegedly making threats towards podcaster Joe Rogan. Brian Johnson, who goes by the name the 'Liver King', was arrested at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin Texas on Tuesday night (local time), according to videos posted to his own social media accounts showing his arrest. The 47-year-old was arrested and charged over alleged public threats made towards podcaster Joe Rogan, local media reported. He was charged with making a terroristic threat, according to local media. (Austin Police Department) He was hit with a misdemeanour charge of making a terroristic threat, according to local reports. In a series of videos posted to his Instagram, the fitness influencer challenges Joe Rogan to a fight. In a recent video posted on Monday, Johnson crawls across the ground towards the camera and says: "Joe Rogan, we don't have to make videos to pretend anymore. All of this is happening. We're coming to you. I've challenged you, man to man, to a fight. Honourable," Johnson says in the video. He continues on before saying "You can hold the hand of somebody that you love because (with) what happens next to you, you're going to need to remember that feeling." "You're going to need more than what you did to give you something to fight for, because I have my family to fight for and that I'll die for." He finishes by saying "(I'm) willing to die, hoping that you'll choke me out." In another video posted last week, Johnson is recorded standing shirtless wearing a wolf's skin on his head and holding two golden firearms. "Joe Rogan, I'm picking a fight with you! I'll come to you, whenever you're ready to go," he says." Johnson grew his internet fame of one million followers by promoting what he calls the "ancestral" lifestyle, which includes eating large quantities of raw meat, especially raw beef liver. A file picture of Brian Johnson, AKA Liver King. (GC Images) He says he built up his huge physique by following a raw meat diet, as well as using natural supplements like creatine and protein powder. He also claims to sleep on a wooden plank and refuses to shower or use soap on his body anywhere except for his groin. Rogan came into the picture after a podcast episode in 2022, in which he called into question Johnson's lifestyle and discussed allegations that the Liver King was using steroids. Johnson was later exposed as a heavy steroid user. Police contacted Rogan about the videos on Tuesday, to which the podcaster said he had never interacted with Johnson. (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via) Police contacted Rogan about the videos on Tuesday, to which the podcaster said he had never interacted with Johnson, and took his videos as a threat, local media reports. A US Judge set bail at $20,000. Johnson remains in custody today.  CONTACT US