Fitness influencer Brian Johnson, popularly known as “Liver King,” was arrested Tuesday evening by the Austin Police Department on a charge of making a terroristic threat, following a series of social media posts directed at podcast host Joe Rogan. TMZ confirmed the arrest with law enforcement authorities.
According to police, officers obtained an arrest warrant after reviewing disturbing videos posted by Johnson, including one in which he directly challenged Rogan to a physical fight. Rogan reportedly told authorities he had “never had any interaction with Johnson and considered the posts to be threatening.”
Johnson was detained without incident around 6:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin and transported to the Travis County Jail. He has been charged with a Class B misdemeanor and is being held on a $20,000 bond. The investigation remains ongoing.
In one video posted Monday, June 21, Johnson said: “Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you. I have no training in jiu-jitsu, you’re a black belt, you should dismantle me. But I’m picking a fight with you. Your rules… I’ll come to you, whenever you’re ready.” He also documented his arrival in Austin and acknowledged he might be arrested.
A separate video shows Johnson, dressed in a maroon hoodie and pants, being handcuffed by police while saying goodbye to his wife and children before being taken into custody.
Johnson rose to fame by promoting a “primal” lifestyle and selling health supplements. He later admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormone, to achieve his muscular physique.
It remains unclear whether Johnson’s social media threats toward Rogan were the sole basis for the arrest. Rogan, who moved to Austin in 2020, has yet to publicly comment on the incident.
