Texas Influencer ‘Liver King’ Arrested After Joe Rogan Threat Incident: What You Need to Know

A fitness influencer known as the "Liver King," Brian Johnson, was arrested after sending threatening messages to popular podcaster Joe Rogan on social media. The Austin Police Department reported that Johnson traveled to Austin to confront Rogan, posting videos on Instagram where he challenged Rogan to a fight.

In one video, Johnson directly called out Rogan, stating, "Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, my name’s Liver King. Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you." Johnson, who has no jiu-jitsu training, acknowledged Rogan’s experience but still insisted he wanted to fight him. Another video echoed this sentiment, where he expressed his willingness to face Rogan, even if it meant getting hurt.

Rogan, unaware of Johnson before this incident, interpreted the posts as threats. Later that day, police arrested Johnson at a hotel, charging him with a terroristic threat, a class B misdemeanor.

Johnson promotes a controversial diet centered around raw meat and animal organs, which has drawn criticism from nutritionists for spreading misinformation. Even though he was never a guest on Rogan’s podcast, Johnson’s allegations of steroid use had been discussed in a 2023 episode that received over 8.7 million views.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time social media has spotlighted figures in fitness and wellness with problematic behavior. Recent trends reveal a growing focus on mental health within fitness communities, urging influencers to promote positivity and healthier lifestyles rather than confrontations and controversial diets.

Johnson’s online following exceeds 3 million, reflecting the strong influence he wields. As this incident unfolds, it raises questions about the responsibility influencers hold in shaping trends and discussions around fitness and health.

For more on the complexities of social media influence, you can view a detailed analysis on platforms like Pew Research Center.

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