Fitness influencer “Liver King” (real name Brian Johnson) faces massive backlash after admitting he used steroids for years while promoting an all-natural “ancestral” lifestyle. This stunning confession, following leaked emails in late 2022 (reported by New York Times), exposes a web of deception that destroyed his $100M supplement empire and ignited global debates on influencer ethics, fitness fraud, and dangerous diet trends impacting Indian wellness enthusiasts.
The “Ancestral Tenets” Facade
Johnson built a viral brand claiming superhuman strength came from:
- Daily raw liver/organ consumption
- -20°C ice baths
- Zero processed foods or modern medicine
- “Primal” workouts
He amassed 5M+ followers selling supplements and diet programs promising natural results through his “9 Ancestral Tenets.”
The Steroid Admission
In December 2022, leaked emails revealed Johnson spent $11,000/month on steroids (including testosterone and growth hormone). Facing evidence, he confessed on YouTube:
“I lied. I used steroids for aesthetic advantages… I felt trapped maintaining the persona.”
– Dec 9, 2022 video apology
Business Fallout: Empire Collapses
Consequences were swift:
- Supplement company revenue dropped 75% (Forbes)
- Key partners (including supplement brand “Ancestral”) cut ties
- Multiple lawsuits filed for false advertising/fraud
- Social media followers plummeted; credibility destroyed
Health Risks of “Liver King” Diets Exposed
Nutrition experts globally sounded alarms:
- Raw liver consumption risks: Parasites (Echinococcus), vitamin A toxicity (The Lancet)
- Extreme cold exposure dangers: Hypothermia, cardiac stress (Indian Journal of Endocrinology)
- High-protein diets linked to kidney strain in predisposed individuals (AIIMS studies)
Indian Fitness Community Reacts
The scandal resonated deeply in India’s booming wellness market:
- Debates erupted on influencer accountability
- Nutritionists warned against “quick fix” diets (TOI report)
- Govt. bodies reiterated need for FSSAI-approved supplements
- Followers expressed betrayal over costly programs
Legal & Ethical Reckoning
Ongoing developments:
- FTC investigations into deceptive marketing (pending)
- Class-action lawsuits seek refunds for supplement buyers
- Social media platforms flagging his content as “controversial”
- Broader scrutiny on fitness influencer steroid use
Summary: Liver King’s steroid scandal serves as a cautionary tale about influencer culture, fraudulent marketing, and the dangers of extreme dietary trends. His admission shattered a lucrative empire built on lies, prompting global discussions on authenticity in wellness. For India’s fitness industry, it underscores the need for critical consumption of health advice and stronger regulations.
Liver King admits steroid use after promoting “natural” lifestyle! His $100M empire collapses. Health risks, fraud lawsuits & impact on India’s fitness scene.