News Summary
Brian Johnson, known as the Liver King, was arrested in Austin for allegedly making terroristic threats against podcaster Joe Rogan. Johnson posted videos challenging Rogan to a fight, leading to police involvement after Rogan deemed the threats alarming. Johnson faces a Class B misdemeanor charge and has been released on bond, with strict conditions including no contact with Rogan. The ongoing investigation raises discussions about influencer behavior and the consequences of online communication.
Austin, Texas –
Brian Johnson, widely recognized as the “Liver King,” was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly making a terroristic threat against popular podcaster Joe Rogan. Austin police apprehended Johnson at the Four Seasons Hotel around 6 PM after reviewing threatening videos he posted on social media while traveling to the city.
In his videos, Johnson openly issued a challenge to Rogan, stating his desire to engage in a physical fight. He indicated a willingness to “die” in pursuit of this confrontation, framing it as “a dream come true.” Authorities were alerted to these threats, and police were subsequently in contact with Rogan, who mentioned that he had never interacted with Johnson before and found the posts to be alarming.
Johnson now faces a Class B misdemeanor charge and was booked into the Travis County Jail. Following his arrest, his bond was set at $20,000, and he has since been released. As a condition of his release, he is prohibited from contacting Rogan or his family, must maintain a distance of 200 yards from them, and is required to undergo mental health evaluation and supervision within the week.
Social Media Presence and Background
The Liver King has cultivated a substantial online following, boasting over 6 million followers on TikTok, nearly 3 million on Instagram, and more than 1 million subscribers on YouTube. His content revolves around promoting an “ancestral lifestyle,” which emphasizes diets rich in raw meat and animal organs. Earlier this year, he featured in a Netflix documentary titled “Watch Untold: The Liver King.” The documentary provided insight into his controversial lifestyle and online persona.
In a previous controversy, Johnson initially denied using performance-enhancing substances, but later admitted to their use after evidence surfaced showing he was spending approximately $11,000 a month on steroids. This revelation sparked significant discussion about authenticity in the influencer community and the pressures associated with maintaining an idealized online presence.
Investigation and Future Steps
The investigation regarding Johnson’s threats is still ongoing, according to the Austin Police Department. The situation raises questions about the appropriate boundaries for digital communication, particularly within the context of the influencer landscape that often blurs the line between entertainment and real-life consequences.
As the events unfold, the repercussions of this incident may have wider implications for both Johnson’s career as an influencer and the expectations placed on social media personalities in general. The interplay between online bravado and actual repercussions continues to be a topic of conversation among social media users and the public at large.
With the growing scrutiny on influencers regarding their behavior online and its real-world impact, this incident may encourage further discussion on the need for responsible use of social media platforms and the potential legal ramifications of threats made in a digital space.
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Additional Resources
- KXAN: Liver King Arrested in Austin
- Wikipedia: Liver King
- KVUE: Liver King Arrested for Threatening Joe Rogan
- Google Search: Liver King Threatens Joe Rogan
- CBS Austin: Liver King Arrested in Austin
- Google Scholar: Liver King and Joe Rogan Threats
- The Hill: Liver King Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Liver King
- NBC News: Liver King Arrested for Threatening Joe Rogan
- Google News: Liver King Arrest
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
