Social media personality Brian Johnson, famously known as the “Liver King,” was arrested Tuesday evening following a series of aggressive posts aimed at podcast icon Joe Rogan. The arrest occurred at the upscale Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Austin after Johnson posted an Instagram video that police deemed threatening.
In the video, Johnson, known for promoting a primal lifestyle and raw-organ meat diet, openly challenged Rogan to a physical fight. “I’m calling you out man-to-man,” he declared. “Let’s settle this however you want.”
Despite having no formal training in combat sports, Johnson aimed his challenge at Rogan… a seasoned martial artist and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The confrontation quickly escalated online and caught the attention of law enforcement.
According to a statement from the Austin Police Department, investigators became concerned when Johnson began traveling to Austin while continuing to post inflammatory content targeting Rogan.
“Detectives observed multiple social media posts where Mr. Johnson made statements interpreted as threatening. Mr. Rogan confirmed he had no personal relationship with Johnson and felt the threats were serious,” police reported.
With sufficient cause, authorities issued an arrest warrant for Johnson on the charge of making a terroristic threat, a serious offense under Texas law.
Shortly before being taken into custody, Johnson posted one last video to Instagram showing himself pacing in his hotel room. He spoke about facing prison time and seemed to anticipate a confrontation with Rogan. The footage ends with officers entering the room, handcuffing Johnson, and escorting him to a patrol vehicle.
This bizarre clash between two high-profile internet personalities quickly went viral, sparking debate across social platforms about the line between online bravado and criminal behavior.
