Brian Johnson, widely recognized by his online persona “The Liver King,” was recently arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat against podcast host and UFC color commentator Joe Rogan. This action followed Rogan`s security team alerting law enforcement to a series of erratic videos Johnson had posted on social media.
According to a copy of the criminal complaint against Johnson, obtained on Monday, the police investigation concluded that he was making credible threats against Rogan. Evidence included numerous social media posts challenging Rogan to a fight, culminating in Johnson actually driving to Austin, Texas, where the 57-year-old comedian resides.
Police were initially contacted by a member of Rogan’s security detail after they became aware of Johnson`s social media activity. The videos showed an escalation from general threats to explicit documentation that Johnson “had traveled to Austin and was currently in town to fight Joe Rogan.”
Rogan`s security team requested police intervention due to the increasing intensity of Johnson`s behavior, expressing concern about potential harm to Joe Rogan or his family.
In the criminal complaint, police stated that after reviewing several of Johnson’s videos, they believed his behavior exhibited signs of “some sort of mental health episode,” indicating that Brian Johnson might be a danger to himself or others.
One particular video highlighted by police depicted Johnson shirtless, wearing a “fox headdress,” and holding “two firearms that appeared to be gold plated AR-15 short barrel rifles.” In this video, while displaying the weapons, Johnson explicitly stated, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, man to man, I’m picking a fight with you.”
Authorities viewed additional videos posted by Johnson, including those showing he completed a three-hour trip from his home in Willis, Texas, to Austin, Texas, during which he continued to make threats against Rogan.
Police eventually made contact with Joe Rogan himself. Rogan informed officers that his security team had initially alerted him to Johnson`s threats, and he interpreted these actions and statements “as threatening,” which led him to file a police report.
Rogan told police he had no prior contact with Johnson and was unaware of the reason the social media influencer had suddenly targeted him.
The veteran UFC commentator also conveyed to police that he had been told Brian Johnson “has a significant drug issue.” Based on the numerous Instagram posts directed at him, Rogan expressed his belief that Johnson is “significantly unstable and seems like he needs help.”
As a result of their investigation, police determined that Brian Johnson had committed a “terroristic threat towards Joe Rogan,” leading to charges being filed. Johnson was arrested and subsequently released on a $20,000 bond. A restraining order was also issued, mandating him to stay at least 200 yards away from Rogan, his family, residence, and places of business.
Johnson was further ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation within seven days of his release.
Johnson’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 16.
