In recent years, the rise of social media influencers promoting extreme diets and supplements has led to both fascination and controversy. One of the most notorious figures in this space is Brian Johnson, better known as “Liver King.” With his chiseled physique, ancestral lifestyle claims, and aggressive marketing of organ meats and supplements, Liver King amassed a massive following. However, beneath the surface of his primal persona was a multi-million-dollar scam involving fake pharmaceutical products, deceptive marketing, and outright lies.
The Rise of the Liver King
Liver King built his brand around the idea of an “ancestral lifestyle,” claiming that eating raw liver, avoiding modern medicine, and following a rigorous fitness routine were the keys to optimal health. His social media presence—filled with images of him gnawing on raw organs, lifting heavy weights, and promoting his “9 Ancestral Tenets”—resonated with fitness enthusiasts and biohackers.
At the heart of his empire was his company, Ancestral Supplements, which sold desiccated organ pills (like liver, heart, and brain capsules) at premium prices. He claimed these supplements were sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals and provided unmatched health benefits.
The Scam Unraveled
In late 2022, Liver King’s empire began to crumble when leaked emails and insider reports revealed that his ultra-primal lifestyle was a complete fabrication.
1. Steroid Use Exposed
Despite preaching natural living, Liver King had been secretly using anabolic steroids for years. Fitness YouTuber More Plates More Dates obtained leaked messages showing Johnson’s detailed steroid cycle, including testosterone, trenbolone, and human growth hormone (HGH)—completely contradicting his “all-natural” persona.
2. Fake Pharma and Dubious Supplements
Ancestral Supplements marketed its products as pharmaceutical-grade, but investigations revealed:
- No FDA approval – The supplements were not regulated, and some batches had questionable sourcing.
- Misleading claims – Liver King touted his pills as cure-alls for everything from low testosterone to chronic fatigue, despite zero clinical evidence.
- Deceptive marketing – Many customers reported no noticeable benefits, while others experienced digestive issues.
3. The $100 Million Lie
Liver King claimed his supplement business was a passion project to “heal the world,” but leaked financial records showed it was a profit-driven scheme. He allegedly made over $100 million by selling overpriced, unproven supplements to his loyal followers.
The Fallout
Once the truth came out, Liver King’s reputation collapsed:
- Massive backlash – Former fans and fitness influencers called him out for hypocrisy.
- Legal scrutiny – Regulatory bodies began investigating his supplement company for false advertising.
- Declining sales – Many customers demanded refunds after realizing they had been duped.
The Lesson: Don’t Believe the Hype
Liver King’s scam is a cautionary tale about blindly trusting internet gurus. His entire brand was built on deception:
- Fake natty claims – He lied about steroid use to sell a false narrative.
- Unproven supplements – His products had no scientific backing.
- Exploitative marketing – He preyed on people’s insecurities to make millions.
In the end, Liver King wasn’t a health visionary—he was just another snake oil salesman in a loincloth. His downfall serves as a reminder: always question bold health claims, especially when someone is profiting from them.
