Who is Liver King? Raw Meat influencer, Brian Johnson shares his story in a new Netflix documentary

Brian Johnson, better known as the Liver King, is a social media influencer who preaches a diet of raw meat, hardcore training, and what he refers to as "ancestral living." He gained an online following from eating raw liver, testicles, and other organ meats in addition to divulging his intense fitness regimen.

Johnson has a large following on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. His videos depict him living in what he calls a primal manner. He shuns modern comforts and adheres to what he claims are the lifestyles of early humans.

Now, his tale is the focus of a new Netflix documentary called UNTOLD: The Liver King. The movie documents how Johnson became famous, the persona he developed, and what followed after he confessed to taking steroids.

What is the “ancestral lifestyle” Liver King promotes?

Brian Johnson's way of life is founded on a list of principles he refers to as the "9 Ancestral Tenets." They are sleep, movement, shielding, cold exposure, sun, fighting, bonding, and eating organ meats. According to him, these are founded on the way our ancestors lived before modern technology.

He urges individuals to consume raw animal parts such as liver, heart, bone marrow, and testicles. These foods are rich in nutrients and contribute to good health, says him. He claims that going back to eating this way can make individuals feel powerful and immune to sickness.

Johnson also works out with heavy weights, does ice baths, and spends a lot of time outdoors. He feels that this combination of diet and lifestyle builds a stronger body and mind.

How did Liver King become famous?

Liver King gained popularity on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. He attracted millions of followers after posting shocking clips of himself consuming raw meat and performing intense workouts. His massive muscles and aggressive personality made everyone curious.

His material soon went viral. People copied him to see more of his "ancestral" lifestyle. Other people watched because they thought his actions were weird or amusing. His videos frequently created online discussions regarding health, fitness, and nutrition.

Johnson also introduced a line of supplements to accompany his brand. He sold items that he claimed were rooted in ancestral health, including liver pills and protein powders. Supplements were a huge part of his business and made him money off his online popularity.

What happened after Liver King admitted to using steroids?

Johnson had long denied taking performance-enhancing drugs. He attributed his physique to his ancestral lifestyle. Most people believed him and took his advice. But in December 2022, he confessed that he had been taking steroids.

This confession earned him a lot of backlash. A lot of his followers felt betrayed as they trusted him and thought he was honest. Critics indicated that his use of steroids made his health claims less credible.

The Netflix documentary captures the consequences of this revelation. It features interviews with Johnson, his family, and colleagues. The film examines how the pressure of keeping his image intact may have impacted him and what price he paid, both at home and professionally.

What does the Netflix documentary reveal?

The documentary UNTOLD: The Liver King is directed by Joe Pearlman. It examines closely how Brian Johnson constructed his online persona and what ensued after the steroid news. The film attempts to reveal the man behind the character.

It features footage from his own life and interviews with individuals around him. The documentary reveals the amount of effort that went into crafting the Liver King persona. It also questions whether that persona was ever genuine.

The movie is asking larger questions about social media, health influencers, and what really goes on behind what one looks at online. It is not only about Johnson's eating habits. It is questioning what occurs when one becomes popular for being extreme and attempting to live the expectation.

Brian Johnson, or Liver King, gained popularity by advocating for a return to what he terms ancestral living. His diet of raw meat and his brash personality earned him a massive following. But once he confessed to steroid use, things were not the same anymore.

The Netflix documentary depicts both his ascension and the price he paid to maintain a strong online persona. It is the tale of one who created a brand, lived according to it, and had to confront the truth when everything was put into doubt.

Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal

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