Joe Rogan grew up in Newark, New Jersey, where his father, A. Joseph Rogan worked as a police officer. Rogan didn’t spend much time with his dad, who he’s described as abusive toward his mother, and was supportive of Rogan’s violent outbursts. Rogan told Rolling Stone that he once punched a cousin in the face, and instead of getting angry, his father asked if he cried. When he said he hadn’t, his dad only said, “Good, don’t ever cry.”
That was a minor incident in the Rogan household, and these days, Rogan doesn’t like talking about his father. He described his childhood with his dad as confusing, calling his father violent and scary. Without much elaboration, he explained in his Rolling Stone interview the scant memories he has of his father: “All I remember of my dad are these brief, violent flashes of domestic violence. But I don’t want to complain about my childhood. … I don’t hate the guy.”
Rogan became estranged from his father and hasn’t seen him since he was little. Since he’s got a platform and word of his father’s violent behavior became public, his dad spoke out in his defense. He took to YouTube and called his son a “Punk a**,” denying his allegations and calling him out for his comments. His sister joined in and also refuted Joe’s accusations, explaining how he was taken away from the home at a young age and didn’t really know their father.
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.
