By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On Tuesday, Austin police arrested social media fitness influencer Brian Johnson, known as the “Liver King,” after he posted threatening messages directed at podcaster Joe Rogan on Instagram. The police became involved after learning Johnson was traveling to Austin, where Rogan resides, and had issued multiple challenges to fight Rogan. Rogan, who confirmed he had never interacted with Johnson, considered the posts threatening. Johnson was subsequently apprehended at a hotel and charged with a class B misdemeanor of terroristic threat.
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The news is swirling around the arrest of the influencer known as the “Liver King” in Texas, following what’s been described as threats directed towards Joe Rogan. It’s a bizarre situation, to say the least, and one that has quickly captured the internet’s attention. It seems like this whole saga might be a train wreck, but it’s a fascinating train wreck nonetheless.
The core of the issue appears to stem from a video posted online where the Liver King, whose real name is Brian Johnson, directly challenged Rogan to a fight. He even went so far as to say, “You never come across something like this, willing to die, hoping that you’ll choke me out because that’s a dream come true,”. Along with his challenge, he was holding what looked like gold plated assault rifles, and in other videos, he was shouting incoherently. The situation escalated to the point where the authorities felt compelled to intervene. Johnson was subsequently apprehended and charged with “terroristic threats,” a Class B misdemeanor.
The context of this whole situation is perhaps as strange as the event itself. The Liver King is known for promoting what he calls an “ancestral lifestyle,” advocating for the consumption of raw meat and animal organs, specifically liver. This dietary approach, however, has been met with criticism from nutritionists, who point out the potential for misinformation and health risks. It’s important to note that Johnson’s views and practices have already generated their fair share of controversy, making this new development even more intriguing.
The dynamic between the Liver King and Joe Rogan adds another layer of intrigue. While Johnson had never been a guest on Rogan’s highly successful podcast, Rogan did address Johnson’s alleged steroid use on his show in 2023. This event had a considerable impact, generating over 8.7 million views on YouTube. This prior connection, along with their disparate platforms and fanbases, set the stage for this dramatic confrontation.
The online reaction has been, as expected, varied and often quite humorous. Some people have questioned the very notion of the Liver King’s influence, calling it a sign of societal decline, pointing out that “influencer” is a legitimate way to make money is a sign that things have gone horribly wrong with capitalism. Others see the whole thing as a desperate grab for attention and relevance. Some are even suggesting the whole thing might be a publicity stunt, a carefully orchestrated bid for views and media attention. There have been a few who simply don’t see the need to even acknowledge the “Liver King”.
The arrest, however, brings a degree of seriousness to the situation. A potential threat, regardless of its source, must be taken seriously. This event also highlights the intersection of online personalities, celebrity culture, and the legal system. It raises questions about the responsibilities of influencers, the line between challenge and threat, and the role of law enforcement in the digital age.
It’s also worth noting the physical and mental state of the Liver King. Many are speculating whether he was under the influence of something when he made those comments. His behavior prior to the arrest was described as “unhinged” and “a weapons-grade public psychotic episode”. The fact that Johnson was holding an AR-15 in each hand at the time of the video certainly added to the concerning nature of his statements. His appearance furthered the conversation, with people commenting that he looked like he was not taking care of himself and speculating that steroids had been at play.
The fact remains that Joe Rogan is a public figure, and any threat against him would be taken seriously by law enforcement. It’s a strange case of social media, personal beef, and potential mental health issues, all colliding in a way that’s hard to ignore. Whether this is a deliberate stunt, a genuine outburst, or something else entirely, remains to be seen.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media and the impact it can have on the lives of those involved. It’s a story that’s likely to continue evolving, with more twists and turns as the legal process unfolds and the personalities involved continue to react.