Recent developments in Brendan Schaub‘s ongoing CBD fraud lawsuit have taken a dramatic turn with the emergence of a whistleblower, potentially creating strain in his relationship with longtime friend Joe Rogan.
The case centers around allegations that Schaub participated in a fraudulent scheme involving Pure Spectrum CBD, with new evidence suggesting the former UFC MMA star may be lashing out at those distancing themselves from him.
Jessica Austinfeld, a former equity holder in Pure Spectrum CBD, has come forward as an official whistleblower in the case against Schaub. Austinfeld, who previously won a $2.6 million lawsuit against the company in 2020, claims to possess over 300 pages of evidence including emails, text messages, and Zoom recordings that allegedly outline a conspiracy to defraud Brady Bell, the original plaintiff. Most damaging is her sworn affidavit claiming Schaub accepted $100,000 to falsely assert he held 10% equity in the company after his departure.
The legal implications are severe. Wire fraud carries up to 20 years in federal prison per count, while IRS fraud involving falsified K1 forms could result in 3 years per offense. Florida theft charges involving amounts over $100,000 may constitute first-degree felonies punishable by up to 30 years in state prison. According to Bell’s legal team, additional federal lawsuits are planned, including a potential RICO case that could further implicate Schaub.
What makes this situation particularly intriguing is the apparent connection to Joe Rogan‘s inner circle. The lawsuit reveals that Bell was initially introduced to Schaub through the then CEO of Onnit Aubrey Marcus, one of Rogan’s closest long-term sponsors. This business relationship places Rogan uncomfortably close to the alleged fraud scheme, potentially explaining why he may be keeping his distance from his former podcast regular.
Signs of tension between the former friends may be emerging in subtle ways. During a recent podcast appearance, Schaub made pointed comments dismissing ice baths as unnecessary unless you’re a professional athlete, stating
“You working out an hour a day? You think you need a cold tub?”
This appeared to be a direct contradiction of Rogan’s well-known advocacy for cold therapy and ice baths, leading some observers to interpret it as a passive-aggressive jab.
The timing of these comments is particularly notable, coming as Schaub faces mounting legal pressure and potentially diminished support from his usual network. Industry insiders suggest that Rogan, likely being advised by his legal team about the ongoing litigation, may be deliberately avoiding contact with Schaub to protect his own business interests and reputation.
The whistleblower’s emergence represents a significant escalation in the case against Schaub. With evidence being withheld from public view until trial due to its allegedly damning nature, the comedian-turned-podcaster faces an uncertain future.
