Controversial social media star Brian Johnson, widely known as Liver King, has intensified his public campaign to secure an appearance on the popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. He has been recently making headlines for his beef with UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan.
Johnson gained fame by promoting an “ancestral lifestyle” centered around consuming raw organ meats. He recently posted a video dramatically increasing his challenge to $10 million while wearing a handmade sign reading “Bully vs Liver King” across his chest.
“10 million dollars and it can all go away if I won’t say another word,” Johnson declares in the video, positioning himself as someone standing up against what he perceives as bullying behavior. “I am picking a fight. It’s with a bully.”
The social media personality frames his motivation as principled rather than personal: “Why am I doing this? For family. Number one, number two, if you’ve ever been bullied, it sucks to be bullied, right? It doesn’t feel real good.”
Throughout the video, Johnson carefully avoids naming Joe Rogan directly, though his followers clearly understand the target of his campaign. He repeatedly requests help in securing the attention of “this podcast host” in Austin, suggesting followers post videos supporting his cause.
“Help me get the attention of this podcast host,” Johnson pleads. “Post videos of yourself of something like this… it’s the principle of the matter.”
The conflict appears to stem from Joe Rogan’s criticisms of Johnson’s lifestyle claims and business practices. Johnson rose to prominence promoting his raw meat-based diet and “ancestral tenets” before facing controversy when his use of PEDs was revealed.
Johnson insists he’s ready to appear immediately: “I can record tomorrow, I can come to Austin tomorrow, you’re welcome to come here, do anything you’d like, and I won’t say another word.”
In the meantime, Johnson mentions plans to film content with a group called “Santa Cruz” who will attempt his “Barbarian” challenge. It is presumably some form of physical endurance test aligned with his brand’s primal aesthetic.
Social media reactions to Johnson’s campaign have been largely skeptical, with many commenters suggesting this represents an attempt to rebrand or generate publicity rather than resolve genuine grievances.
Some of the comments are as follows:
The 47-year-old influencer was previously arrested but was later released on Wednesday after posting a $20,000 bond. As part of his release conditions, the judge mandated a court-ordered mental health evaluation and issued a restraining order requiring him to stay at least 200 yards away from Joe Rogan and his family.
