The Rise and Fall of the Liver King: An Unfiltered Look at Brian Johnson's Raw Meat Empire
The Liver King, or Brian Johnson, has become a headline-grabbing figure in the world of fitness influencers. Best known for his extreme devotion to eating raw organ meats, Johnson developed an online persona that captured millions of followers. But with his rise came controversy, leading to a recent Netflix exposé and heated debates about his authenticity.
Who Is the Liver King?
Brian Johnson, now widely recognized as the Liver King, built his brand on the principles of ancestral living. Inspired by his family's health struggles, he turned to a raw meat diet, claiming it cured his children's ailments and transformed his life. Johnson began sharing his lifestyle online, eating everything from beef liver to raw animal testicles. His message, built on “Nine Tenets” like sleep, move, shield, and bond, resonated with fans drawn to primal strength and self-improvement.
Johnson's influencer journey took off after he founded a supplement company, promising those unwilling—or unable—to eat raw organs a taste of his diet. Massive online attention followed, with viral social media posts showcasing his daily routines and physique. For a deeper critique of his rise and the spectacle surrounding it, see The Guardian’s review of the Liver King documentary.
The Raw Meat Lifestyle: Fact or Fiction?
At the heart of the Liver King myth is the “raw power” philosophy. According to Johnson, consuming animal organs delivers unmatched nutrients and taps into ancestral vitality. Yet, even among health enthusiasts, his methods have sparked skepticism. Many wondered: can such a muscular physique really be achieved solely through diet and willpower?
The 2025 Netflix documentary uncovers more than just the spectacle of raw liver. As public scrutiny mounted, evidence emerged—Johnson had been using steroids, contradicting his public denials. His supplements empire boomed nonetheless, reportedly bringing in over $100 million annually. Newsweek explores the Liver King's net worth and business ventures, highlighting the financial stakes behind his carefully crafted identity.
Masculinity, Meat, and Modern Culture
The Liver King’s message is not just about nutrition. It taps into notions of masculinity, dominance, and resistance to modern processed foods. By encouraging followers to “eat like our ancestors,” Johnson has become a symbol within a broader cultural movement. Some see his persona as a response to contemporary health anxieties and identity politics. For an in-depth analysis of how meat and masculinity intersect in his brand, UnHerd offers a detailed perspective.
These themes—ritual, power, and spectacle—find echoes in Western food history. The Liver King’s public rituals of consuming raw organs serve as modern expressions of primal behavior, intended to prove mettle to onlookers and followers alike.
The Downfall and What Comes Next
With Johnson’s steroid use exposed, his credibility suffered. However, he remains unapologetic and reflective in the wake of controversy. Recently, he has shifted toward a more moderate lifestyle, even incorporating vegetables into his diet. The public’s fascination with his journey endures, challenging us to examine our own beliefs about health, authenticity, and what it means to pursue "the ultimate form" in the digital age.
Conclusion
The story of the Liver King is more than just viral videos and unconventional eating. It's a case study in modern influencing—where performance, commerce, and identity collide. As debates about diet, masculinity, and authenticity continue, the Liver King will remain a potent, if polarizing, figure in the conversation around health and digital culture.