Did the Liver King Lie About Taking Steroids? Inside the Raw Truth
Brian Johnson, widely known as the Liver King, carved out a niche in the fitness world by promoting an "ancestral lifestyle" centered around consuming raw organ meats and intense physical regimens. With a chiseled physique and a charismatic online presence, he amassed millions of followers and built a supplement empire valued at over $100 million. Central to his brand was the claim that his muscular build was achieved naturally, without the aid of performance-enhancing drugs.
However, in 2022, leaked emails revealed that Johnson was spending approximately $11,000 monthly on steroids and human growth hormone. Initially denying these allegations, he eventually confessed in a public video, leading to widespread backlash and a $25 million lawsuit, which was later dropped. This revelation significantly tarnished his reputation, calling into question the authenticity of his "natural" lifestyle claims.
The Netflix Spotlight: "Untold: The Liver King"
The recent Netflix documentary, Untold: The Liver King, delves into Johnson's rise and fall. It chronicles his journey from a struggling individual to a social media sensation, highlighting his promotion of the "Nine Ancestral Tenets" and his raw meat diet. The film also addresses the steroid scandal, featuring interviews with Johnson, his family, and business associates. While the documentary offers insights into his personal life and motivations, some critics argue that it provides a sympathetic portrayal, potentially downplaying the severity of his deception.
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Meet the Liver Queen: Barbara Johnson
Behind the Liver King's persona is his wife, Barbara Johnson, known online as the Liver Queen. Born Bozena in Hajnowka, Poland, she moved to the U.S. at 15 and pursued a career in dental surgery. The couple met in Park City, Utah, and have been married since 2009. Together, they have two sons, Rad and Stryker, and have fully embraced the ancestral lifestyle, often sharing their family's practices on social media. Barbara also runs a beauty brand called Krowa, emphasizing natural and holistic approaches to skincare.
The Fallout and Ongoing Influence
Despite the scandal, Johnson continues to promote his ancestral lifestyle, maintaining a significant online following. The Netflix documentary has reignited discussions about authenticity in the fitness industry and the responsibilities of influencers. While some viewers find his story cautionary, others remain skeptical about the sincerity of his transformation.
In the age of social media, the Liver King's story serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and the potential consequences of misleading one's audience.
