Controversy Erupts as Brian Johnson’s Arrest Shakes Fitness and Podcast Worlds

Joe Rogan was forced to call the police after “Liver King” Brian Johnson targeted him in a series of disturbing videos that ultimately led to Johnson’s arrest. The popular podcaster reportedly warned law enforcement about the fitness influencer’s “unstable” behavior before authorities detained Johnson at an Austin hotel, charging him with making terroristic threats.

At a glance:

• Joe Rogan told police the “Liver King” appeared “significantly unstable” and may have “a significant drug issue”

• Brian Johnson posted threatening videos challenging Rogan to a fight while displaying firearms

• Johnson was arrested at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin and charged with making a terroristic threat

• The Netflix documentary star was released on $20,000 bond and ordered to undergo mental health evaluation

• Johnson previously admitted to using steroids despite promoting an “ancestral” lifestyle to his followers

Rogan Reports “Unstable” Behavior To Police

The confrontation began when Johnson, known for his raw organ meat consumption and extreme fitness persona, posted a series of alarming videos challenging the popular podcast host to a physical fight. Rogan, who relocated to Austin in 2020, just revealed how he reported to police that he believed Johnson was “significantly unstable” and appeared to need professional help.

Johnson traveled from Willis, Texas to Austin specifically to confront Rogan, making his threats more credible and concerning to authorities. In his social media posts, Johnson declared, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, my name’s Liver King. Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you.”

After the shock arrest news went viral, Rogan reportedly informed police he had never interacted with Johnson previously and considered the posts to be genuinely threatening. The podcaster also told authorities he had heard from others that Johnson “has a significant drug issue,” according to police reports obtained by multiple news outlets.

Arrest and Legal Consequences

Austin police arrested Johnson at the Four Seasons Hotel after determining his behavior constituted a Class B misdemeanor for making a terroristic threat. The fitness influencer’s troubling videos showed him not only challenging Rogan but also displaying firearms, which significantly escalated the seriousness of his threats.

Joe Rogan told cops Liver King appears ‘unstable,’ and heard influencer had a ‘significant drug issue’ https://t.co/piITgyqMqc pic.twitter.com/8dfrD12xe1

— New York Post (@nypost) June 26, 2025

Following his arrest, Johnson was released on a $20,000 bond with strict conditions imposed by the court. He was ordered to have no contact with Rogan, undergo a mental health evaluation, and surrender any firearms in his possession during the legal proceedings.

Despite these legal restrictions, Johnson posted another video after his release, cryptically referring to Rogan as “some guy” who “put him in jail.” He defiantly claimed that his videos “won’t ever stop,” potentially complicating his legal situation further.

The Liver King has been arrested and seems to be deep in a manic episode.

Most people missed the clues he left in his video on what’s really going on.

“Last Thanksgiving I was dying… CT scan said something was dire straits”

“I did 4 coffee enemas this morning, my intestines… pic.twitter.com/KGss0NcOqy

— Vance (@VanceE) June 25, 2025

Controversy Follows Netflix Documentary Star

This incident comes after Johnson’s reputation was already damaged by revelations in 2022 that his physique was primarily the result of steroid use rather than his heavily marketed “ancestral lifestyle.” Johnson admitted to spending approximately $11,000 monthly on performance-enhancing drugs while simultaneously promoting natural living to his followers.

Johnson was recently featured in the Netflix documentary “Untold: The Liver King,” which further exposed his use of steroids and human growth hormone. The documentary contradicted Johnson’s public image of achieving his physique through a primal diet consisting largely of raw organ meats.

Following these revelations, Johnson faced a $25 million lawsuit for fraud and deception related to his steroid use and marketing claims. The lawsuit was eventually dropped, but his credibility in the fitness community remains severely compromised.

Rogan, who has not publicly commented on Johnson’s arrest or subsequent videos, continues to host one of the world’s most popular podcasts from his Austin studio. The case against Johnson is ongoing, with mental health evaluations likely to play a significant role in how authorities proceed.