Liver King Death Hoax: Unpacking the Viral False Claims About the Fitness Influencer

A new viral rumor claims fitness personality Liver King has died. These false reports spread rapidly across social media this week. The claims are completely unfounded, according to fact-checking of the sources.

The online hoax originated from unverified Facebook pages. These pages used identical, sensational language about a tragic death. No official sources or credible news outlets have reported any such event.

Anatomy of the Liver King Death Rumor

The false claim stated Brian Johnson, known as Liver King, died from an infection. This infection was allegedly traced to his consumption of raw liver. The posts included a black-and-white photo to suggest an obituary.

However, the accompanying quote in these posts referenced a completely different person. It mentioned Xiao Zhan, a famous Chinese actor. Social media users quickly identified the discrepancy and called out the hoax in the comments. According to user reactions compiled from platform data, many expressed frustration over the fake news.

Understanding the Liver King Persona and Past Controversies

Brian Johnson built a massive online following by promoting an “ancestral lifestyle.” His brand, centered on nine “Ancestral Tenets,” advocates for eating raw animal parts and intense physical exertion. He presented his own physique as natural proof of this lifestyle’s effectiveness.

This is not the first death hoax targeting the influencer. A similar claim with identical wording circulated in September. Johnson’s reputation faced a significant earlier setback when he admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs, contrary to his natural lifestyle claims.

The recent Liver King death hoax highlights the persistent challenge of misinformation online, demonstrating how easily false narratives can gain traction without any factual basis.

Info at your fingertips

Is the Liver King really dead?

No, the Liver King is not dead. The claims of his death are a viral hoax that has been repeatedly debunked. There are no credible news reports or official statements confirming his passing.

What was the cause of death in the rumor?

The false post claimed he died from an aggressive infection. This infection was supposedly linked to his consumption of raw liver, a key part of his public diet.

Who is the Liver King?

The Liver King is Brian Johnson, a fitness influencer famous for promoting a primal, ancestral lifestyle. He gained millions of followers online before facing controversy over admitted steroid use.

How did people discover the rumor was fake?

Users noticed the memorial post contained a quote about an unrelated Chinese actor. The lack of any credible source or official confirmation also quickly exposed the claim as fraudulent.

Has this happened before?

Yes, identical death hoaxes about the Liver King have circulated online previously. The same wording was used in a false post from September of this year.