Brian Johnson, famously known as “Liver King,” found himself in legal hot water on Tuesday evening when he was apprehended at a downtown Austin hotel. The influencer allegedly made the trip to confront podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, with reports suggesting he may have intended to issue threats.
The 47-year-old, who has gained notoriety for his controversial promotion of consuming copious amounts of raw meat and organs, is now facing a Class B misdemeanor charge for making a terroristic threat under Texas law. This charge could result in as much as six months behind bars and a fine of up to $2,000.
His arrest reportedly stems from a series of strange and aggressive Instagram videos released on June 23, one of which features him directly challenging Rogan to a physical showdown.
“Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out; my name’s Liver King. 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 declared, as reported by KXAN.
In a display of erratic bravado, Johnson documented his journey through the streets of Austin, proclaiming he was “in kind of a fight mode” while capturing the experience on camera.
WATCH:
BREAKING: Brian “The Liver King” Johnson has been arrested in Austin, Texas.
The arrest reportedly is the result of him posting unhinged videos threatening Joe Rogan, Derek of More Plates More Dates, and Jon Bravo. pic.twitter.com/oXJb0i3kpT
— Gadget (@Gadget44027447) June 25, 2025
The Daily Mail reported:
Speaking from his hotel room in Austin, where Rogan resides in a $14.4 million mansion, Johnson recorded an erratic video in the shower, claiming he had a confrontation with police over his threats.
“I challenge you today, Joe Rogan,” he stated. “I’m here at the Four Seasons in Austin; I’m in the shower… I hadn’t slept the day before; I was up for about 40 hours.”
Johnson embarked on a convoluted rant about his run-in with law enforcement, hopping between topics with little coherence. “The police are coming or something’s happening… I’ve not threatened to kill anybody. Did somebody say that I was going to kill somebody?” he questioned.
“I am going to. I’ve picked a fight. Who have I picked a fight with? Joe Rogan… Why? Out of principle. Family.”
“I’m challenging you, just as a man. I don’t want to kill you. Why would I want to kill you? You have a family. I wouldn’t want to take you away from your family.
“I wouldn’t want that to happen, so I hope that none of this is perceived as a threat. F**k you, Joe Rogan, you guys can call all the cops.”