Health influencer and alleged fraudster “Liver King” was arrested in Texas on Tuesday — simply days after posting a collection of weird social media movies, one through which he challenged fashionable podcaster Joe Rogan to battle.
Brian Johnson, 47, identified throughout social media because the “Liver King,” faces a misdemeanor cost of constructing a terroristic menace and was booked into the Travis County Jail in Austin at 8:31 p.m., on-line data present.
Johnson, who gained his following by selling his barbarian-like weight-reduction plan, was confirmed because the suspect who was nabbed in Texas, in keeping with KXAN, citing sources.
Additional particulars of his arrest aren’t identified.
The Put up has reached out to the Austin Police Division for remark.
Johnson, sporting a burgundy hoody, sweatpants and an old-fashioned tactical vest, is captured in handcuffs and positioned behind a patrol automobile in entrance of what seems to be a lodge as his spouse Bozena “Barbara” Johnson appears to be like on, footage posted to the influencer’s Instagram web page confirmed.
Minutes earlier than his arrest, Johnson is seen frantically pacing round the lounge with meditation music taking part in, speaking about going to “jail,” being “arrested,” and “combating” Rogan.
Johnson’s cameraman — who’s informed by the health influencer to maintain filming — shares that he’s coping with the cops and advises “Liver King” to not take a knife with him as he tries to place a utility knife in his pocket. He then continues to name out Rogan to battle him.
Two folks then enter the room and inform the “Liver King” that it’s time to go after they look like summoned inside by the cameraman to “make their presence identified.”
He then goes on a rant to them about not being allowed sufficient time to “sh-t,” pleading with them for 12 extra minutes.
In one other steady video, Johnson is seen slipping on espresso whereas nonetheless calling out Rogan, with a field bearing the “Joe Rogan Expertise” emblem on the desk.
He tells everybody within the room, “If I’m arrested,” that the container with Rogan’s podcast emblem goes to the “Mothership,” Rogan’s Austin comedy membership whereas holding a black ammo can.
Johnson then instructs the cameraman — whom he calls Justin — to make sure the video is uploaded to the web earlier than calling his two sons into the room, the place they talk about a “free wifi password” they seem to assert jokingly is “f–okay Joe Rogan.”
The “Liver King” then calls his household over for a bunch hug and prayer, moments after emergency sirens could be heard within the background.
It’s unclear who the social media influencer allegedly made threats towards or if the UFC commentator was the explanation Johnson was arrested.
Nevertheless, the influencer did go on an unhinged rant towards Rogan on Monday, the place he challenged him to an “honorable” battle.
“Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, my identify’s Liver King. Man to man, I’m choosing a battle with you,” he mentioned, sporting a wolf pelt.
“I’ve no coaching in Jiu-jitsu, you’re a black belt, you must dismantle me. However I’m choosing a battle with you. Your guidelines, I’ll come to you, everytime you’re prepared.”
In a video posted a day earlier than his arrest, he once more challenged the podcaster to battle him “man to man” and that he has his “household to battle for.”
“You by no means come throughout one thing like this, prepared to die, hoping that you just’ll choke me out as a result of that’s a dream come true,” Johnson mentioned in his rant.
Rogan has by no means hosted the “Liver King” on his podcast, however has mentioned Johnson’s steroid use on his podcast.
The podcaster moved to Austin in 2020 after leaving California through the pandemic and lives in an enormous $14.4 million dwelling, in keeping with Realtor.
Johnson claims his weight-reduction plan consisted of animal liver, testicles, and fertilized rooster eggs, and outrageous exercise routines.
He claimed he earned his Greek God-like physique by following this insane weight-reduction plan and an intense train routine with only a few supplemental capsules.
Nevertheless, it was revealed he misled the general public after leaked emails confirmed he was spending $11,000 a month on steroids to realize his physique.
He later admitted he had experimented with testosterone and human development hormone (HGH).
Johnson was featured within the Netflix documentary “Untold: The Liver King” about how he created his social media and complement empire.
