Fitness influencer Brian Johnson, better known as Liver King, made headlines on June 24, 2025, when he was arrested in Austin, Texas, for making terroristic threats against podcast host Joe Rogan. The 47-year-old’s dramatic social media posts, where he challenged Rogan to a fight, led to his arrest at the Four Seasons Hotel. Charged with a Class B misdemeanor, Liver King now faces serious legal consequences. This article breaks down the Liver King arrested 2025 case, explains the law behind terroristic threats in Texas, explores potential punishments, and offers guidance for those facing similar issues. If you’re dealing with threats or legal charges, a criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights.
What Happened: Liver King’s Threats Against Joe Rogan
Liver King rose to fame promoting an “ancestral lifestyle” that included eating raw meat and intense workouts. His reputation took a hit in 2022 after admitting to spending thousands monthly on steroids, despite claiming his physique was natural. This sparked criticism from Joe Rogan, who mocked him on The Joe Rogan Experience, calling him “preposterously jacked.” The feud escalated in 2025, featured in the Netflix documentary Untold: The Liver King, which detailed Johnson’s rise and fall.
On June 23 and 24, 2025, Liver King posted a series of intense Instagram videos, challenging Rogan to a “man-to-man” fight. In one clip, he said, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out… I’m picking a fight with you. Your rules, I’ll come to you.” He traveled to Austin, Rogan’s hometown, and continued posting, even showing weapons and saying, “Guess what, you’re dead.” These posts alarmed viewers and prompted Austin police to act. After confirming with Rogan, who felt threatened despite never meeting Johnson, police arrested him at 5:59 p.m. on June 24. He was released on a $20,000 bond the next day, with a restraining order to stay 200 yards from Rogan, a ban on firearms, and a required mental health evaluation.
Understanding Terroristic Threats in Texas
In Texas, a terroristic threat is a serious crime under the law. It involves making a threat of violence with the intent to scare someone into believing they’re in immediate danger, cause public fear, or disrupt public services. Liver King’s videos, which included phrases like “you’re dead” and showed him traveling to Austin with weapons, fit this definition. His charge is a Class B misdemeanor, but it could have been worse if the threats targeted a public official or caused widespread panic.
The law looks at three key factors:
- Intent to Scare: Liver King’s repeated videos and trip to Austin suggest he meant to intimidate Rogan.
- Nature of the Threat: His words, like “I’m picking a fight” and “you’re dead,” combined with showing weapons, were seen as threatening.
- Impact on the Victim: Rogan told police he felt threatened, which supports the charge.
If the case escalates—say, with evidence of planning violence—it could become a Class A misdemeanor or felony, with harsher penalties.
What Punishments Could Liver King Face?
As a Class B misdemeanor, the terroristic threat charge carries these potential consequences:
- Jail Time: Up to 180 days in county jail.
- Fine: Up to $2,000.
- Probation: Instead of jail, he could get 6-12 months of probation, with rules like regular check-ins or community service.
- Restraining Order: He’s already under a 200-yard restraining order from Rogan, his family, and businesses. Breaking it could mean more charges.
- Mental Health Evaluation: Ordered within seven days of his release, this could lead to court-required therapy if issues are found.
- Other Impacts: A conviction could hurt his supplement business, public image, and future legal cases, especially after his 2022 fraud lawsuit.
Liver King’s lack of prior criminal history might lead to a plea deal for probation or a fine. However, his continued videos after release, hinting at more challenges to Rogan, could make things worse. For example, he referenced Rogan’s Comedy Mothership club and wore an ankle monitor, suggesting he’s not backing down. This could lead to new charges if he violates the restraining order.
Why This Matters for Influencers and Everyday People
This case shows how online actions can lead to real-world trouble. Social media stars like Liver King, with millions of followers, face extra scrutiny because their posts reach so many people. His threats weren’t just words—they prompted police action because they scared Rogan and raised public concern. For regular people, this is a reminder: posting threats online, even as a joke, can lead to arrests and lasting consequences.
If you’re a victim of threats, like Rogan, you have options:
- Report to Police: Save evidence like videos or screenshots to support a criminal case.
- Get a Restraining Order: This can keep the person away from you, as Rogan did.
- File a Harassment Lawsuit: You could seek money for emotional distress or other harm, with settlements often ranging from $5,000 to $300,000.
If you’re facing charges like Liver King:
- Hire a Lawyer: A criminal defense attorney can fight the charges or negotiate a better deal.
- Follow Court Rules: Breaking bond conditions, like contacting the victim, can lead to more trouble.
- Consider Mental Health: A court-ordered evaluation, like Johnson’s, might reduce penalties if issues are addressed.
What’s Next for Liver King?
Liver King’s case is ongoing, and his behavior after release raises concerns. He’s posted videos mentioning Rogan indirectly, like referencing “someone whose name rhymes with Rogan,” despite the restraining order. This could lead to new charges or a stricter sentence. For Rogan, the restraining order offers protection, but he could pursue a civil lawsuit for emotional or reputational harm. This case is a wake-up call: online threats aren’t just drama—they can land you in jail.
Protect Yourself with Legal Help
Whether you’re facing threats or charged with a crime, don’t go it alone. A terroristic threat conviction can mean jail, fines, and a damaged reputation. Contact a criminal defense or harassment lawyer for a free consultation to understand your options and build a strong case. Act fast to protect your future.
