Brian Johnson, a social media personality widely known as "Liver King," found himself in legal trouble after being apprehended by the Austin Police on Tuesday night. The 47-year-old fitness influencer, who has gained notoriety for his promotion of a primal, raw meat-based diet, is now facing misdemeanor charges due to making a terroristic threat. The incident unfolded in the city that Joe Rogan, the prominent podcaster and UFC commentator, has called home since his move from California in 2020.
The arrest was precipitated by a string of unsettling videos that featured Johnson challenging Rogan in what many perceived as an aggressive and potentially threatening manner. Clad in a tactical vest and later a wolf pelt, Johnson was seen in his videos pacing and exhibiting signs of distress. He openly invited Rogan to a fight, stating, "Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out. Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you." Despite his lack of formal martial arts training, Johnson expressed a willingness to engage in combat under any set of rules.
The videos, which quickly went viral, escalated in intensity over several days, culminating in the influencer's arrest. Notably, one clip showed Johnson discussing prison time and appeared to be a direct challenge to Rogan. The footage captured by Johnson's cameraman during the arrest added to the drama, showing the influencer sipping coffee and preparing to send a box with "The Joe Rogan Experience" logo to Rogan's comedy club.
Johnson's recent antics are not his first brush with controversy. His reputation took a hit after leaked emails revealed undisclosed steroid use, which contradicted his public image built on the premise of a natural "ancestral" diet and rigorous exercise regimen. This revelation became a topic on Rogan's podcast, further fueling the feud between the two personalities.
The Austin Police Department has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the arrest, including whether Rogan had any direct involvement or if Johnson's public threats alone triggered the police action. As Johnson awaits further proceedings in the Travis County Jail, the online community is split, with some viewing the situation as an elaborate stunt and others expressing genuine concern over the nature of the threats.
The discourse surrounding Johnson's arrest and his challenge to Rogan has raised questions about the intersection of social media influence, public behavior, and legal accountability. While some argue that the influencer's actions are a form of self-promotion taken too far, others worry about the potential implications of such public threats. With Rogan's response still pending, the case highlights the unpredictable nature of internet fame and the serious consequences that can result from digital bravado.
