If you are a bodybuilding fan, there is one name that is almost in sync with being the most influential fitness promoter of our time. Better known as “Liver King”, Brian Johnson is one of the most famous fitness influencers who gained fame with his primal lifestyle. Much like other Hollywood icons who went through their own body transformations, such as Brie Larson’s fitness transformation. The social media influencer made millions of followers on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube before reality hit him hard. What happened, and how he got sky high and hit rock bottom. In this article, we will try to find more about this controversy and the resultant talk around transparency in fitness culture.
Who Is Brian Johnson, aka “Liver King”?
The Texas-born Brian Michael Johnson turned 47 this year. He became an internet sensation called Liver King when he adopted a unique routine that he called the “ancestral lifestyle,”. He made this routine around nine principles that included sleep, eat, move, shield, connect, cold, sun, fight, and bond.
He started building his brand around this lifestyle too. Soon, the internet was exploding with this dramatic lifestyle, which he promoted through dramatic online videos.
He started a supplement company called Heart & Soil, which captured millions of fans cum customers. His loyal customers saw him as an idol of primal masculinity and natural strength.
The Rise of Brian Johnson (Liver King)
Brian Johnson became The Liver King by showing his raw organ and meat-eating habits and heavy lifting. He called his routine ‘ancestral tenets’. With such a massive following, he was able to build a $100 million worth supplement business.
Brian owes a lot of his freakish fame to platforms like TikTok and Instagram. His videos of eating raw liver and bull testicles were shocking, entertaining, and hard to ignore. Johnson told his followers that they should eat organ meats, train hard, and live as close to nature as possible.
He told his audience:
“Modern life has made us fat, sick, and weak. We need to go back to the ways of our ancestors.”
Through strong branding and bold claims, Johnson soon attracted a loyal fan base. The viewers believed that his physique was natural and was built only through hard work, food, and lifestyle.
Backed by this fame, his supplement companies were generating tens of millions in annual revenue. He was now one of the top digital influencers and an entrepreneur.
The Steroid Scandal
The bubble of his fame burst in 2022 when the world found out that diet and exercise alone weren’t behind his freakish body. Johnson was spending over $11,000 a month on a hormone and peptide protocol, a revelation that reminded many of the Dwayne Johnson steroid controversy. After years of denial, he confessed publicly in a YouTube video, saying:
“Yes, I have done steroids. And yes, I am on steroids, monitored and managed by a trained hormone clinician.”
The Leaked Emails
In November 2022, emails about Johnson using a structured performance-enhancement program were leaked on the internet. The documents indicated that he was using:
- Testosterone cypionate
- Nandrolone (Deca)
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
- Peptides and related compounds
- Around 16 vials per month of prescribed substances
His secret routine cost $11,000 monthly. It was now obvious that he was using a high-level protocol under supervision.
Brian Johnson’s Public Apology
After years of denial, Johnson had no choice but to come clean on the internet. So he made a public statement on YouTube, admitting:
“I lied. I tried to convince everyone that my physique was achieved naturally. It wasn’t. I’ve done steroids.”
He also explained:
“I did it because I was struggling with my own self-esteem. I was depressed, I had anxiety, and I felt like I wasn’t enough. I thought that if I looked a certain way, people would listen to me.”
Public Reaction and Lawsuits
The confession of Brian Johnson triggered mixed reactions. It also sparked a bigger discussion around celebrities and HGH, where the line between transparency and image often gets blurred. While some fans respected his honesty, others felt cheated. The latter group included people who were buying his supplements under the impression that his results were purely natural.
A $25 million class-action lawsuit was filed in December 2022 against Johnson. Though this lawsuit of deceptive marketing was later dropped, it was a clear indication of the seriousness of transparency in health and fitness.
Life After the Scandal
Many of his critics thought that it might be the end of Brian Johnson. However, Johnson shocked them all by remaining active on social media even after all the scandals. He continued promoting his businesses and sharing health advice. But this time, Johnson was not shy about admitting his past mistakes.
In 2025, he continues to maintain a loyal following. Media outlets describe him as both a cautionary tale and a survivor in the influencer world.
Performance-Enhancement Regimen that Liver King Followed
Testosterone Cypionate
A commonly prescribed form of TRT that boosts muscle mass, strength, recovery, energy, and libido.
Nandrolone (Deca)
An anabolic steroid known for increasing muscle growth, joint support, and recovery.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Promotes tissue growth, fat loss, and recovery.
Peptides and Related Compounds
Small protein chains that signal the body to produce more growth hormone or aid healing. Examples include BPC-157 (tissue repair), GHK-Cu (skin/hair regeneration), and Ipamorelin (growth hormone release).
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Conclusion
Steroid use or misuse has always been connected with bodybuilders. Brian Johnson was no different. Brian himself admits that he used a PED routine throughout his career. His story leaves behind a complicated legacy. His confession proved that audiences value honesty more than the image of perfection. While some fans felt betrayed, others focused on the lessons from his mistakes. For those seeking safer ways to enhance performance, peptides for muscle growth remain a popular alternative in the fitness community
Today, Johnson himself says:
“I deserve this. I’m the one who lied. I’m the one who created this mess. I’ll own it.”
His story is a reminder that influencers have a responsibility. They should be transparent with their audiences. While his credibility took a hit, he remains active. His message has shifted toward learning from mistakes instead of hiding them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Liver King actually eat?
Brian eats a high volume of animal products in their raw form.
- Raw meat (liver, bone marrow, and other organs like testicles)
- Other animal products (raw eggs, bone broth, steaks)
- Whole foods (seasonal fruits, vegetables, sweet potatoes, and avocados)
How much does the Liver King make a year?
As per sources, in 2023, his net worth was $310 million. His sources of income include supplement brands (Ancestral Supplements and Heart & Soil) and his social media platforms. Some reports suggest that he generates millions in revenue annually.
Who is the Liver Kings’ wife?
Brian Johnson’s wife is Bozena “Barbara” Johnson. She is a dentist by profession and fans have given her the name ‘The Liver Queen”.
Where can I get HGH treatment?
PrometheuzHRT is a reputable provider for people looking for growth hormone therapy in Jackson, Wyoming. You can Apply Now for an online consultation with their experienced doctors and improve your athletic performance today.
Are growth hormone shots expensive?
It depends on the treatment you are opting for. However, HGH treatment cannot be labelled as the cheapest treatment around either. A typical treatment can cost you anywhere between 600 USD to 2000 USD per month.
What is the human growth hormone?
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is produced in the pituitary gland in our body. It is a very important hormone responsible for boosting growth. Besides growth, it also does many other tasks. These include cell repair, metabolism, and muscle boosting. In terms of medicinal practice, HGH is prescribed to treat growth disorders in children. Moreover, it is also legal for use in hormone deficiencies or muscle-wasting diseases in adults.
Is Liver King on Netflix?
Yes, there is a documentary about the Liver King (Brian Johnson) on Netflix. The name of this documentary is Untold: The Liver King.
