AUSTIN, Texas – Brian Johnson, known as the “Liver King,” has been released from a Texas county jail after posting a $20,000 bail. Johnson was arrested following alleged “terroristic threats” directed at podcaster Joe Rogan. Now, he faces a restraining order and must undergo a mental health evaluation within the next week.
Immediate Impact
According to Travis County Court records, Johnson’s release was confirmed on June 25. The court has mandated that he maintain a distance of at least 200 yards from Rogan and his family. Additionally, Johnson is required to complete a mental health evaluation by next Wednesday.
Johnson must stay at least 200 yards away from Joe Rogan and complete a mental health evaluation by next Wednesday.
Key Details Emerge
In a video shared on Thursday afternoon, Johnson appeared with a pair of dogs, hinting at his release. “I might be leaving Austin sooner than we were hoping… I love this state of Texas,” he remarked. In an Instagram story, he mentioned needing to “clean the jail off of me.”
Johnson elaborated in another video, “The goal was to come on Monday to pick a fight, a loving fight… I was hoping that the jail thing and all that stuff would be the beautiful gifts that they were. They were really good.” He further added, “Now there are other deeper threats that are happening.”
Background Context
The 47-year-old influencer had earlier challenged Rogan to a fight through a series of Instagram videos. “I have no training in Jiu-jitsu; you’re a black belt, you should dismantle me. But I’m picking a fight with you. Your rules, I’ll come to you, whenever you’re ready,” he stated.
The Austin Police Department confirmed that they were alerted to Johnson’s threats against Rogan. Detectives reviewed Johnson’s posts and noted his travel to Austin while continuing to make threatening statements.
“Detectives contacted Mr. Rogan, who stated he had never had any interaction with Johnson and considered the posts to be threatening,” an APD spokesperson told Rolling Stone.
Timeline of Events
- June 25: Johnson is released on bail from a Texas county jail.
- Next Wednesday: Deadline for Johnson’s mental health evaluation.
- Earlier this week: Johnson shares Instagram videos challenging Rogan.
- Tuesday: Johnson is taken into custody at Four Seasons Austin.
What Comes Next
The timing is particularly significant as Johnson faces a Class B Misdemeanor charge of Terroristic Threat Causing Fear of Imminent Serious Bodily Injury. The outcome of his mental evaluation and adherence to the restraining order will likely influence the legal proceedings moving forward.
Meanwhile, industry experts warn that public figures like Johnson must navigate the fine line between publicity stunts and legal boundaries. As the situation unfolds, both fans and critics will be watching closely to see how Johnson’s case progresses.
According to sources familiar with the legal process, the court’s decisions in the coming weeks will set a precedent for similar cases involving social media influencers.
