Influencer Brian “Liver King” Johnson Fakes His Arrest

Controversial social media figure Brian Johnson, known as the Liver King, staged his own arrest on Friday, sharing footage of a mock police takedown just days after he was actually detained.

Johnson, who is on bail following allegations of making terroristic threats against podcaster Joe Rogan, posted a video on Instagram showing actors dressed as officers leading him away in handcuffs. He later uploaded a second clip revealing it was all a stunt, describing the scene as “pretend.”

“I thought it might be funny,” Johnson explained. The incident occurred after he was actually detained by authorities last week in Austin, Texas, where he was booked into jail and later released with an ankle monitor. He was also ordered to stay at least 600 feet away from Rogan and his family, a restriction evident in the staged clip.

The influencer drew legal trouble after posting alarming videos where he publicly challenged Rogan, saying, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, my name’s Liver King. Man to man, I’m picking a fight with you.” In another video, he stated, “I have no formal training in jiu-jitsu, you’re a black belt, you should be able to dismantle me. But I’m challenging you. Your rules. I’ll come to you whenever you’re ready.”

Rogan later told authorities he had never met Johnson and did not understand why he was targeted, despite Johnson’s repeated mentions of him online. Notably, Johnson admitted in 2022 that his muscular physique was achieved using steroids, after previously claiming it resulted from a diet of raw meats, testicles, liver, and fertilized eggs.