Influencer Brian 'Liver King' Johnson Arrested for Threatening Joe Rogan

In a concerning incident that has sent shockwaves through the online influencer community, Brian Johnson, widely recognized as 'The Liver King', was arrested on June 24, 2025, in Austin, Texas, for allegedly making terroristic threats against Joe Rogan, a prominent UFC commentator and podcaster. The Austin Police Department (APD) confirmed the arrest following a series of bizarre social media posts in which Johnson challenged Rogan to a fight.

According to the APD statement, Johnson's threats were first reported on his Instagram account, where he posted videos that included explicit challenges directed at Rogan. In one such video, Johnson stated, '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.' His comments were perceived as threatening, prompting the police to act.

APD detectives were alerted to Johnson's statements early on June 24, around 9:30 a.m., and after reviewing the posts, they contacted Rogan, who indicated he had no prior interaction with Johnson and felt threatened by the content. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued for Johnson on the charge of 'Terroristic Threat', classified as a Class B misdemeanor under Texas law.

Later that day, at approximately 5:59 p.m., police located Johnson at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin and apprehended him without incident. He was subsequently transported to the Travis County Jail. If convicted, Johnson faces a potential sentence of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. The investigation remains ongoing, with no additional information available at this time.

Brian Johnson gained notoriety as 'The Liver King' through his promotion of a controversial lifestyle that emphasizes the consumption of raw meat and adherence to what he calls 'nine ancestral tenets'. Following a scandal in 2022, where he confessed to using anabolic steroids after leaked emails revealed his extensive expenditure on performance-enhancing drugs, Johnson's public persona has been under scrutiny.

This recent event raises significant questions about the behavior and accountability of social media influencers, especially those who promote extreme lifestyles. As society grapples with the influence of digital celebrities, the implications of Johnson's actions resonate beyond personal accountability, touching on broader issues of public safety and mental health in the influencer space.

Experts in media psychology have noted that the blurring of reality and performance in social media can lead to dangerous outcomes. Dr. Alice Thompson, a psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), states, 'The performative nature of social media can distort perceptions of reality, leading individuals to escalate their behavior in pursuit of likes and attention.' This incident exemplifies the potential consequences of such a phenomenon.

As this case develops, it underscores the need for a critical examination of the responsibilities that come with social media influence. The influence of personalities like Johnson can have far-reaching effects, not just on their followers, but also on the wider community, calling for greater awareness and potential regulatory measures regarding influencer conduct.