The health and fitness influencer industry has produced some bizarre controversies, but few are as unusual as the latest lawsuit involving Brian Johnson, better known as the Liver King. Famous for promoting an “ancestral lifestyle,” raw organ meat, and his own supplement brand, Johnson has built a reputation for spectacle. This time, however, the spectacle extends far beyond his eccentric persona and marketing tactics.
At the center of a lawsuit filed by fellow fitness personality Brad Kearns is an alleged agreement that was not only handwritten but also signed in blood. Yes, you read that correctly: a modern-day health influencer decided that the most fitting way to finalize a business partnership was to bind it with blood. While this detail might sound like something out of a medieval drama, it highlights the increasingly surreal world of influencer business disputes, where theatrics often overshadow substance.
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The Alleged “Blood Contract”
According to Kearns’s complaint, he and Liver King discussed developing a men’s supplement called “Male Optimization Formula with Organs” (MOFO). In order to cement their agreement, Johnson allegedly insisted that the document be signed in blood.
The filing states:
“At Johnson’s insistence, the Agreement was signed in blood.”
The choice to make a blood oath might seem symbolic, but the law views it differently. Courts have long ruled that contracts written or signed in blood hold no special legal significance. In fact, a 2009 California ruling made it clear that such agreements are unenforceable. Despite the drama, this wasn’t a binding ritual—it was more of a publicity stunt masquerading as a contract.
Liver King’s Response
Johnson’s legal team denied many of Kearns’s claims, including any official pitch for the supplement and any interest in the name MOFO. However, critics find this denial questionable since Johnson’s supplement company, Ancestral Supplements, already sells a product called MOFO.
Interestingly, Johnson’s team did not dispute the existence of the blood markings. Their filing openly admitted:
“Plaintiffs admit the Agreement was signed and includes marking by blood.”
In other words, while they push back against Kearns’s claims of ownership and partnership, they cannot deny that a blood signature was indeed involved.
The Legal Reality of Blood Contracts
While the image of two grown men pricking their fingers to sign a contract may seem dramatic, the legal system treats such actions as irrelevant. Contracts are governed by principles of offer, acceptance, and consideration—not by theatrical gestures. Blood signatures, in the eyes of the law, are no different from signing in ink or even in pencil.
However, when combined with vague terms, lack of detail, and questionable intent, the supposed “agreement” becomes even weaker. A one-page document with symbolic blood signatures does not hold much weight in court, particularly in a multi-million-dollar supplement industry.
The Larger Context: Liver King’s Troubled Reputation
This lawsuit is not happening in isolation. Liver King has faced increasing scrutiny over the past year, primarily due to revelations that contradict his public persona.
For years, Johnson claimed that his muscular physique was the result of following an “ancestral lifestyle”—a diet of raw organ meats, outdoor living, and natural supplements. However, leaked emails revealed that he was using steroids, undermining the authenticity of his brand. As a result, he is currently the subject of a class action lawsuit filed by customers who allege false advertising and misleading health claims.
In light of these revelations, the blood contract dispute only reinforces the perception that Liver King thrives on theatrics, exaggeration, and questionable practices.
Who Is Brad Kearns?
To understand this dispute fully, it’s worth examining the plaintiff, Brad Kearns. Like Johnson, Kearns brands himself as a health influencer and even claims to hold a Guinness World Record in speedgolf. His approach to fitness aligns with performance optimization, and his entry into the supplement industry is unsurprising.
Kearns alleges that he contributed significant intellectual input into the development of the MOFO supplement and expected to be recognized as a partner. Instead, he claims that Johnson excluded him and proceeded without honoring their agreement.
Marketing Meets Madness: The MOFO Brand
The name MOFO (Male Optimization Formula with Organs) might sound like a parody, but it is a real product sold by Ancestral Supplements. The supplement is marketed as a testosterone and vitality booster, tapping into Liver King’s rugged branding of primal masculinity.
Whether or not Kearns truly coined the name, it fits perfectly within Johnson’s marketing style, which thrives on shock value and a mixture of ancestral imagery with modern masculinity tropes. From raw liver-eating stunts to blood-signed agreements, Johnson has always blurred the line between authentic health advice and performance art.
The Symbolism of Blood Oaths
Historically, blood oaths have been associated with solemn promises, secret societies, and folklore. By incorporating such a ritual into a business agreement, Liver King reinforces his image as someone who blends the primitive with the modern.
However, what might have been intended as a show of loyalty or symbolic bonding is now being used against him in court. Rather than making the agreement sacred, the blood signature has turned into a headline-grabbing oddity that raises questions about his professionalism.
Public Reactions and Memes
As expected, the story has gone viral across social media platforms. Memes and jokes about the “blood contract” spread rapidly, with many mocking the absurdity of influencers treating business deals like medieval rituals.
Some reactions frame the lawsuit as a reflection of influencer culture—where spectacle often outweighs substance. Others see it as a cautionary tale about doing business with personalities who rely on branding rather than legal and ethical frameworks.
The Broader Issue: Trust in the Supplement Industry
Beyond the colorful details of this lawsuit, the case highlights a deeper issue within the supplement industry. Worth billions of dollars globally, the industry often operates in a regulatory gray area. Claims are frequently exaggerated, scientific backing is inconsistent, and marketing leans heavily on emotional triggers rather than evidence.
For consumers, scandals like these raise concerns about credibility, transparency, and accountability. If influencers can’t even manage their internal partnerships responsibly, how can customers trust the legitimacy of the products they sell?
Potential Outcomes of the Case
Legally, this case may not hold much weight given the lack of formal structure in the supposed contract. Courts are unlikely to enforce a symbolic agreement signed in blood without detailed terms of business.
The more significant outcome will likely be reputational. Every new controversy chips away at Liver King’s brand image, reinforcing the perception that his empire is built on spectacle rather than substance. For Brad Kearns, the lawsuit could either position him as a whistleblower or as yet another player in the drama-filled world of influencer marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Liver King?
Brian Johnson, widely known as the Liver King, is a fitness influencer who promotes an “ancestral lifestyle” focused on eating raw organ meats, taking supplements, and intense training. He built his brand around primal masculinity but has faced criticism for steroid use and misleading claims.
What is the blood contract controversy?
The controversy stems from allegations that Liver King made fellow influencer Brad Kearns sign a one-page business agreement in blood regarding the launch of a supplement called MOFO. Kearns claims the agreement was binding, while Johnson disputes its legitimacy.
What is MOFO?
MOFO stands for “Male Optimization Formula with Organs.” It is a supplement marketed to support men’s vitality, testosterone, and overall health. Liver King’s company, Ancestral Supplements, currently sells a product under this exact name.
Are blood contracts legally binding?
No. Courts do not consider blood contracts legally valid. A 2009 California ruling confirmed that contracts written or signed in blood lack legal standing. At best, they are symbolic gestures without legal enforceability.
Why is Brad Kearns suing Liver King?
Brad Kearns alleges that he contributed to the idea and branding of the MOFO supplement and expected to be recognized as a partner. He claims Liver King excluded him from the venture despite their symbolic agreement.
What has Liver King’s legal team said?
Johnson’s legal team denies that Kearns officially pitched a supplement or that they had any interest in the MOFO name. However, they did admit that the agreement existed and included blood markings.
Conclusion
The Liver King’s blood contract lawsuit might not change the supplement industry, but it certainly adds another layer of absurdity to his already controversial persona. Whether viewed as performance art, influencer drama, or legal nonsense, the case underscores how far some personalities will go to maintain attention.At its core, the story is not about a valid legal dispute but about ego, branding, and theatrics.