Social media fitness influencer Brian Johnson, also popularly known as “Liver King,” was arrested on Tuesday night at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Texas.
The 47-year-old was arrested by the Austin police following reported threats made against podcast host Joe Rogan through social media.
As reported by ABC news, the authorities say Johnson posted a video on Instagram Monday, in which he challenged Rogan to a physical fight, stating, “Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you,” despite having no formal combat training. Rogan, a seasoned martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, has never interacted with Johnson.
Police Investigate Online Threats
After the video went viral, investigators followed Johnson as he drove to Austin and continued to make threatening comments. In a police statement, Rogan said he did indeed consider the messages threatening. Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant for Johnson on a Class B misdemeanor count of making a terroristic threat.
Video on Johnson’s social media captured the time leading to his arrest. He talked in the video about going to prison and a potential fight with Rogan. The officers were seen handcuffing him and leading him to a patrol car.
According to ABC News, Johnson is still in custody at Travis County Jail while the investigation goes on. Authorities refused to give more information, saying the case is current.
This arrest increases the Liver King’s mounting number of controversies. Johnson also made news in 2022 when he admitted to steroid use, even though he had spent years propagating a “natural” body according to an ancient lifestyle and raw meat diet.
Health Warnings and Backlash
Medical professionals have been continually negative in their review of Johnson’s diet advice, cautioning against the health risks of eating raw meat and the psychological consequences of excessive body image stress.
Harvard Medical School psychiatrist Dr. Harrison Pope warned in 2023 of the compulsive behaviors associated with steroid use and body dysmorphia.
Johnson’s steroid confession video gained more than 4 million views, triggering widespread outrage and contributing to a sudden drop in public confidence.
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