Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Joe Rogan has apologized to Theo Von after remarks he made suggested the 46-year-old was experiencing a breakdown and considering taking his own life.
A recent segment from The Joe Rogan Experience spread widely online, showing Rogan speaking about Von’s wellbeing and discussing what he believed to be the harmful effects medication had on him.
Rogan said: “Theo Von’s going through the exact same thing and last time he was on the podcast he was explaining it to me.
“It freaks me out because I know Theo has had conversations before…like even publicly.”
He also implied Von had referenced suicidal thoughts, adding: “I’m like, oh, Jesus Christ! Like, I got to help this dude.”
Von soon pushed back on the claims, saying Rogan’s comments weren’t accurate and insisting he is doing well.
“This is mostly false,” the comedian wrote on social media. “I’m a human being which is a rocky ride. But I’m doing fine thanks.”
Afterward, Rogan apologized to Von privately and later addressed the situation publicly on his podcast to clarify what he meant.
He said: “I apologized to Theo. He knows I love him and he said that and we laughed and we joked around about it and I apologized for the way I talked about this.
“I needed to explain to other people too, and it wasn’t trying to paint him out like he’s damaged or treat him like a child.
“I just want him to be okay. And when you’re dealing with someone, or when you have had experience dealing with someone where it winds up going very badly, and then you’re just left with this feeling, like, what could I have done? You know, I didn’t do a good job of it.”
Rogan later admitted he had handled it badly, saying he “f***** up” and that he felt genuinely remorseful as criticism of his comments grew.
The podcaster continued: “He’s an awesome person, a great friend, and one of the most interesting and funny people I’ve ever met in my life. And I just felt terrible about it. And I told them I would never bring it up publicly again, but I think it is important to let people know that aspect of it.”
He also stressed that causing harm was never the goal, explaining that he tries to conduct himself well and act with good intentions.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.