Liver King Arrested in Austin After Alleged Threats Against Joe Rogan Go Viral

Liver King’s Public Challenge Turns Criminal

Things got wild in Austin this week when Brian Johnson, better known as 'Liver King' to his nearly 2 million Instagram followers, ended up behind bars for posts that spiraled way beyond gym talk. Johnson, 47 and famous for his raw meat diet and unapologetic bravado, landed at the center of a police investigation after calling out podcasting megastar Joe Rogan in a flurry of Instagram videos. But unlike the usual influencer clashes, this episode attracted police attention—and not for the outlandish fitness claims.

The drama started when Johnson showed up in Austin, checked into the Four Seasons downtown, and hit 'record.' Looking straight at the camera, Liver King boasted he was ready for a "man to man" fight with Rogan, practically daring him to choose the rules. He even acknowledged Rogan’s black belt and challenged, 'dismantle me if you can.' What might have passed as trash talk in another context was taken deadly seriously, especially since Johnson traveled to Austin before making the threats. Police saw a pattern: travel, intent, and a not-so-veiled dare.

Joe Rogan’s response? He told authorities he’d never even talked to Johnson before, let alone had any beef with him, and that the videos came off as genuinely threatening. Rogan’s background in jiu-jitsu and his massive online presence only upped the stakes. In this era when influencer feuds can quickly cross lines, the authorities didn’t shrug it off. After reviewing the posts, Austin PD moved in and arrested Johnson where he was staying. The charges: a Class B misdemeanor for making a terroristic threat. If convicted, Johnson could be looking at up to 180 days behind bars and a $2,000 fine—not the kind of publicity boost fitness personalities usually dream about.

Johnson Released, Mystery Remains Around Motive

Police released Johnson from the Travis County Correctional Complex, but only after he posted a hefty $20,000 bond. Meanwhile, rumors flew as fans and critics tried to figure out what set Johnson off. Was it a bid for attention? An orchestrated publicity stunt gone wrong? Johnson’s legal team kept quiet, offering no explanation or public statement, while authorities declined further comment, citing the active investigation. All eyes are now on whether the move will hurt or boost his online following, which is known for eating up controversy almost as eagerly as Liver King claims to eat raw liver.

The Austin Police Department, still handling the Liver King case, made it clear this isn’t over. With even a Class B misdemeanor carrying a real possibility of jail time, and the unique twist of a fitness influencer allegedly threatening one of the web’s biggest voices, this case is anything but your everyday social media spat. It throws a spotlight on the fine line influencers must walk when blending entertainment, bravado, and genuine threats online. For now, everyone’s waiting to see what Johnson will say—or post—next.