{{Short description|American influencer (born 1980)}} {{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}} {{Use American English|date=October 2024}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}} {{Infobox person | name = Dan Bilzerian | image = Dan Bilzerian.jpg | caption = Bilzerian in 2019 | alma_mater = University of Florida (dropped out) | other_names = Dan Khazarian (nickname) | birth_name = Daniel Brandon Bilzerian | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1980|12|7}} | birth_place = Tampa, Florida, U.S. | citizenship = United States (since 1980)<br />Armenia (since 2018)<br>Saint Kitts and Nevis | occupation = {{hlist|Influencer|U.S. veteran}} | years_active = | partner = | political_party = Republican | father = Paul Bilzerian | website = {{URL|https://www.bilzerianforcongress.com/|Campaign website}} | module = {{Infobox social media personality|embed=yes | instagram_handle = danbilzerian | instagram_display_name = Dan Bilzerian | instagram_followers = 29.6 million | twitter_handle = DanBilzerian | twitter_followers = 2.1 million | stats_update = May 11, 2026 | youtube_handle = danbilzerian | youtube_display_name = Dan Bilzerian | youtube_subscribers = ~211,000 | module2 = {{Infobox military person|embed=yes | allegiance = {{flag|United States}} | branch = {{tree list}} *{{Navy|United States}} ** United States Navy Reserve {{tree list/end}} | rank = Quartermaster 3rd class | service_years = {{unbulleted list|1999–2003 (active)|2003–2007 (reserve)}} | awards = {{unbulleted list|National Defense Service Medal|Navy Good Conduct Medal|Navy Marksmanship Medal (2)|}} }} }} }} '''Daniel Brandon Bilzerian'''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6FL06415/|title=BILZERIAN, DANIEL BRANDON - FEC|work=FEC.gov|access-date=4 May 2026}}</ref> (born December 7, 1980) is an American social media personality, businessman, and political candidate known for his lavish lifestyle, online presence, and controversial public statements. He gained notability from about 2013 for his extravagant lifestyle and photos with scantily dressed models on social media.<ref>Multiple sources: *{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Devasheesh |date=4 August 2022 |title='Playboy' poker player Dan Bilzerian goes from 'I finally did it' to 'marriage is trap' within 10 days |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/trending/news/playboy-poker-player-dan-bilzerian-marriage-ends-hailey-grice-within-10-days-viral-video-bikini-models-2022-08-04-797503 |access-date=25 October 2024 |website=India TV}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/dan-bilzerian-arrested-clark-county-bomb-making-warrant|title=Las Vegas Review-Journal|website=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=August 15, 2017|archive-date=March 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311083428/http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/dan-bilzerian-arrested-clark-county-bomb-making-warrant|url-status=dead}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2014/12/10/king-of-instagram-held-without-bail-in-la.html|title='King of Instagram' held without bail in LA|first=Sarah|last=Whitten|website=CNBC |date=December 10, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2017}} *{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Chris|title=DJ Steve Aoki balances decadent party image with business dreams|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-steve-aoki-20140810-story.html#page=1|access-date=November 9, 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 8, 2014|quote=He ordered his friend, the professional poker player/bon vivant Dan Bilzerian....}}</ref> He is the eldest son of businessman Paul Bilzerian.
Since the mid-2020s, Bilzerian has also attracted political attention and controversy related to his public statements and congressional campaign activities. Running as a Republican, Bilzerian launched a congressional campaign in Florida's 6th U.S. House District to challenge incumbent Randy Fine in the 2026 midterm elections.<ref name="Congress">{{cite news|last=Vakil|first=Caroline|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5822149-dan-bilzerian-randy-fine-florida-congress/|title=Influencer Dan Bilzerian files paperwork to challenge Fine in Florida |work=The Hill|date=8 April 2026}}</ref>
== Early life and education == Daniel Brandon Bilzerian<ref name="laweekly_arrest">{{cite news|last=Romero|first=Dennis|date=December 9, 2014|title=Dan Bilzerian Arrested at LAX|work=LA Weekly|url=http://www.laweekly.com/informer/2014/12/09/dan-bilzerian-arrested-at-lax|url-status=dead|access-date=December 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230033912/http://www.laweekly.com:80/informer/2014/12/09/dan-bilzerian-arrested-at-lax|archive-date=December 30, 2014}}</ref> was born on December 7, 1980,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://victorypoker.com/victory-pros/dan-bilzerian |title=Dan Bilzerian Victory Pros |publisher=Victory Poker |access-date=March 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227035940/http://victorypoker.com/victory-pros/dan-bilzerian |archive-date=February 27, 2014 }}</ref> in Tampa, Florida, the son of corporate takeover specialist Paul Bilzerian and Terri Steffen. He is the brother of fellow poker player Adam Bilzerian; they are half Armenian-American through their father,<ref>Multiple sources: *{{cite news|title=Dan Bilzerian: Fifty Million in Poker Earnings |url=http://www.unfinishedman.com/dan-bilzerian-fifty-million-poker-earnings/|publisher=Unfinished Man|date=June 20, 2014}} *{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1989-01-15/business/8902250432_1_bilzerian-first-singer-acquisition-paul-bilzerian|first=Ted|last=Reed|title=Bilzerian Court Fight May Be A Long One|work=Chicago Tribune|date=January 15, 1989|access-date=November 14, 2014|archive-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829085449/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1989-01-15/business/8902250432_1_bilzerian-first-singer-acquisition-paul-bilzerian|url-status=dead}} *[https://www.facebook.com/danbilzerianofficial/photos/a.1425329161037681.1073741829.1423830694520861/1647223435514918/?type=1&theater Official Facebook-Account]. Post from April 24, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2015</ref> who was a corporate raider on Wall Street and provided both of his sons with trust funds.<ref> *{{cite news|last1=Whitten|first1=Sarah|title='King of Instagram' released from LA jail|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2014/12/11/king-of-instagram-released-from-la-jail.html|access-date=February 15, 2015|publisher=CNBC|date=December 11, 2014}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/dec/24/controversial-playboy-dan-bilzerian-lv-foster-fami/|title=Controversial playboy Dan Bilzerian is L.V. foster family's Christmas angel|date=December 24, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530002358/http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/dec/24/controversial-playboy-dan-bilzerian-lv-foster-fami/|archive-date=May 30, 2016|url-status=dead}} *{{cite news|title=Actor, Astronaut, Asshole |url=http://www.bluff.com/magazine/actor-astronaut-asshole-17067/ |access-date=November 9, 2014 |work=bluff.com |agency=BLUFF Magazine |date=October 2013 |quote=I do venture capitalism work.... |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109222318/http://www.bluff.com/magazine/actor-astronaut-asshole-17067/ |archive-date=November 9, 2014 }} *{{cite web|last=Webb|first= Brandon |date=September 1, 2013|url=http://sofrep.com/26399/exclusive-dan-bilzerian-talks-to-sofrep-for-the-record/ |title=Dan Bilzerian Talks To SOFREP For The Record|website=www.sofrep.com}}</ref> Bilzerian said he studied for four years at the University of Florida, majoring in Business and Criminology,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joesdaily.com/lifestyle/dan-bilzerian-set-retire-crown-instagram-king/ |title=Dan Bilzeran poker playboy crowned Instagram King reveals lunatic lifestyle |date=December 11, 2013 |publisher=joesdaily |access-date=April 3, 2014}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=September 2020}} but dropped out of college to pursue a professional poker career.<ref>{{Citation |last=Polk |first=Doug |title=Dan Bilzerian FIRES BACK At Fraud Accusations |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=J9X6OF3WP90 |publication-date=December 29, 2021 |type=Video |series=Doug Polk Podcast |language=en-US |access-date=August 8, 2022 |author-link=Doug Polk}}</ref>{{better source|reason= This may technically meet about self but surely we can do better than a throwaway comment on a low quality podcast|date=May 2026}}
== Career == === U.S. Navy === Bilzerian served in the U.S. Navy, enlisting in 1999.<ref name="Valor"/> He underwent Navy SEAL selection and training, and reportedly scored a 94 out of 99 on his Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gordon|first=Nigel|url=https://www.elitedaily.com/entertainment/celebrity/dan-bilzerian-god-amongst-men-possibly-interesting-man-world/682439|title=Dan Bilzerian: Meet The God Amongst Men And Possibly The Most Interesting Man In The World|work=Elite Daily|date=24 July 2014}}</ref> Days before completion, Bilzerian was dropped from the SEAL program after a safety violation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sofrep.com/news/exclusive-dan-bilzerian-talks-to-sofrep-for-the-record/|title=Exclusive: Dan Bilzerian Talks To SOFREP “For The Record”|work=Sofrep|date=1 September 2023}}</ref> He served active duty until 2003, and held the E-4 rank of Quartermaster.<ref name="Valor"/> Bilzerian's DD Form 214 shows that he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Pistol Expert Medal, and the Navy Rifle Expert Medal.<ref name="Valor"/>
Bilzerian continued with the United States Navy Reserve until 2007, and was honorably discharged.<ref name="Valor">{{cite news|url=https://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=75273|title=Dan Bilzerian; the records|work=Valor Guardians|date=11 October 2017}}</ref>
=== Social media === {{missing information|section|his influencer career|date=November 2025}}
=== Poker === Bilzerian played in the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event, finishing in 180th place.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsop.com/tournaments/results.asp?tid=7283&grid=607|title=Tournament Results – Official World Series of Poker Online|website=www.wsop.com|access-date=August 15, 2017|archive-date=October 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003191719/http://www.wsop.com/tournaments/results.asp?tid=7283&grid=607|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, he was voted one of the funniest poker players on Twitter by ''Bluff'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluff.com/news/readers-choice-nominees-funniest-poker-twitterer-17193/ |date=December 3, 2010 |access-date=September 26, 2013 |title=Reader's Choice Nominees: Funniest Poker Twitterer |publisher=Bluff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004222311/http://www.bluff.com/news/readers-choice-nominees-funniest-poker-twitterer-17193/ |archive-date=October 4, 2013 }}</ref> In November 2011, Bilzerian was one of those sued by the estate of Bradley Ruderman over winnings from poker games, which were alleged to have been paid with funds from an illegal Ponzi scheme.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/28/showbiz/maguire-poker-suit/ |date=November 28, 2011 |access-date=September 26, 2013 |publisher=CNN |title=Tobey Maguire settles poker lawsuit |author=Alan Duke}}</ref>
In November 2013, Bilzerian posted an unconfirmed claim that he won $10.8 million from a single night of playing poker,<ref name="PocketFives 2013">{{cite web | title=Dan Bilzerian Allegedly Wins $10.8 Million in Epic Poker Session | website=PocketFives | date=December 4, 2013 |url=https://www.pocketfives.com/articles/dan-bilzerian-allegedly-wins-10-8-million-in-epic-poker-session-588992/ | access-date=January 26, 2018}}</ref> and in 2014 said he won $50 million throughout the year, adding that he "doesn't play against professionals anymore and the most he's ever lost in a single session is $3.6 million."<ref name="PokerStrategy.com 2014">{{cite web | title=News: 'I've won $50 million this year' – Dan Bilzerian | website=PokerStrategy.com | date=July 24, 2014 |url=https://www.pokerstrategy.com/news/world-of-poker/-I-ve-won-$50-million-this-year-Dan-Bilzerian_85745/ | access-date=January 26, 2018}}</ref>
=== Business interests === Bilzerian has previously claimed to run the company Ignite International Brands Ltd., which sells electronic cigarettes, CBD oils, water bottles and vodka, among other products.<ref name="pot venture">{{Cite web|last=Vega|first=Nicolas|date=July 10, 2020|title=Dan Bilzerian's pot venture burned through $50 million last year|url=https://nypost.com/2020/07/10/dan-bilzerians-pot-venture-ignite-burned-50-million/|access-date=July 11, 2020|website=New York Post|language=en-US}}</ref> U.S. prosecutors allege that Bilzerian's father, Paul Bilzerian, retained de facto control of Ignite, and improperly funneled money to the company while owing more than $180 million to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Review-Journal |first=Eli Segall Las Vegas |date=2024-10-01 |title=Paul Bilzerian, father of 'King of Instagram' Dan Bilzerian, faces criminal charges {{!}} Investigations |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/investigations/dan-bilzerians-company-and-father-face-criminal-charges-3180611/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> Dan Bilzerian later claimed he was never directly involved with running the company.<ref>{{cite web | title=Dan Bilzerian sued his father and his company Ignite | url=https://www.spadepoker.tv/en/news/dan-bilzerian-sued-his-father-and-his-company-ignite/ }}</ref>
Ignite was a public company, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, that began trading in January 2019 under the BILZF ticker and went private in June 2022<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ignite Announces Results of Shareholder Meeting and Completion of Going Private Transaction |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220829005630/en/Ignite-Announces-Results-of-Shareholder-Meeting-and-Completion-of-Going-Private-Transaction |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208231117/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220829005630/en/Ignite-Announces-Results-of-Shareholder-Meeting-and-Completion-of-Going-Private-Transaction |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |access-date=2025-06-03 |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="pot venture" /> The company reportedly lost over $50 million in 2019, mostly on marketing and office rental expenses.<ref name="pot venture" />
=== Politics ===
In April 2026, Bilzerian announced that he would be running in the Republican primary for Florida's 6th congressional district against incumbent Representative Randy Fine.<ref name="Congress"/> Bilzerian is a vocal critic of Fine.<ref name="Congress"/> Both Bilzerian and Fine have attracted controversy for their incendiary rhetoric.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brooks|first=Emily|title=Randy Fine faces censure and resignation calls over post on Muslims and dogs|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5742244-randy-fine-censure-calls-muslims-dogs-post/|work=The Hill|date=17 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://flaglerlive.com/randy-fine-bigotry/|title=Randy Fine’s Bigotry and the Silent Complicity of Florida Republicans|work=Flaglerlive|date=20 February 2026}}</ref>
Bilzerian's campaign received endorsements from Carrie Prejean,<ref>{{cite tweet|user=CarriePrejean1|author=Boller, Carrie Prejean|number=2042435278623949054|title=Bilzerian for Congress @DanBilzerian #firefine}}</ref> Leonarda Jonie,<ref>{{Cite web |title=I fully endorse Dan Bilzerian for Congress. We need 400 men like him to run in every congressional district and we could take back this country. |url=https://x.com/Leonardaisfunny/status/2042813699866476751|access-date=2026-04-23|website=X (Twitter)}}</ref> Jake Shields,<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Shields, Jake|user=jakeshieldsajj|number=2042019789653340250|title=I endorse Dan Bilzerian for congress}}</ref> Sneako,<ref>{{cite news|last=Polumbo|first=Brad|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/fairness-justice/4524974/an-antisemitic-instagram-star-runs-for-congress/|title=An antisemitic Instagram star runs for Congress|work=Washington Examiner|date=10 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260415104250/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/fairness-justice/4524974/an-antisemitic-instagram-star-runs-for-congress/|archive-date=15 April 2026}}</ref> and Brian McGinnis.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=RedPillSaiyan|number=2038813798073541099|title=Marine Corps veteran Brian McGinnis on Dan Bilzerian running for Congress. “Does Brian McGinnis endorse Dan Bilzerian?”}}</ref>
===Other work=== Bilzerian has appeared in the films ''Lone Survivor'' (2013), ''The Equalizer'', ''Cat Run 2'' (both 2014), and ''Extraction'' (2015), and authored the autobiography ''The Setup'' (2021), which recounts his controversial life and lifestyle.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.flavourmag.co.uk/in-conversation-with-dan-bilzerian-the-worlds-most-controversial-internet-celebrity/ | title=In Conversation with Dan Bilzerian: The World's Most Controversial Internet Celebrity | date=December 18, 2021 }}</ref>
Bilzerian's appearance in ''Lone Survivor'' was provided to him in exchange for a $1 million investment in the film by Bilzerian.<ref>{{cite web | title=The truth about Dan Bilzerian | date=July 19, 2017 | url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/the-truth-about-dan-bilzerian }}</ref>
In 2022, Bilzerian in co-operation with gaming company Novasoft, launched a mobile video game titled ''Save Dan''. The game is a first-person shooter, developed for IOS and Android, where players shoot a horde of large-breasted female zombies.<ref name="Shooting"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://brobible.com/life/article/dan-bilzerian-mobile-video-game/|title=Dan Bilzerian’s First-Person Shooter Game With Big-Breasted Zombies Is Finally Here!|work=BroBible|date=13 October 2022}}</ref>
== Political views == {{quote box|quote=One thing I do like is that he is kind of raw and unfiltered ... that honestly scares me less than these people that are so politically correct and they're just gonna say whatever they're supposed to say ... I would rather somebody, even if I don't agree with his opinion, give it to me straight.|source=—Bilzerian in 2016 on his support for Trump, ''Larry King Now''<ref name="youtube.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWCV3iEte_8| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/BWCV3iEte_8| archive-date=2021-10-30|title=Why Dan Bilzerian is supporting Trump | Larry King Now | Ora.TV| date=October 10, 2016|via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>|align=right|width=25%}}
In June 2015, Bilzerian announced his bid to run in the 2016 United States presidential election.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://national.suntimes.com/national-world-news/national-politics/7/72/1223175/dan-bilzerian-instagram-playboy-running-president/ | title=Dan Bilzerian, Instagram playboy, is running for president | work=Sun Times | date=June 2, 2015 | author=Sutton, Scott | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615195339/http://national.suntimes.com/national-world-news/national-politics/7/72/1223175/dan-bilzerian-instagram-playboy-running-president/ | archive-date=June 15, 2015 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vcpost.com/articles/71390/20150603/dan-bilzerian-latest-updates-king-of-instagram-president-american-playboy-massive-party-june-24th.htm | title=Dan Bilzerian Latest Updates: King of Instagram runs for President? American playboy to throw massive party on June 24th | work=Venture Capital Post | date=June 3, 2015}}</ref> By December 2015, however, he had begun supporting Donald Trump, stating that he "is raw and unfiltered," eschewing political correctness and praising his pro-gun stance.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Byrnes |first1=Jesse |title='King of Instagram' praises 'unfiltered' Trump |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/263480-instagram-star-praises-unfiltered-trump/ |website=The Hill |access-date=October 9, 2022 |date=December 16, 2015}}</ref>
In 2024, Bilzerian condemned Israel and expressed support for Hamas amidst the Gaza war, referring to it as a "resistance organization" and calling its former leader Yahya Sinwar "a hero."<ref name="networth">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-13 |title=Dan Bilzerian 'would bet entire net worth that less than 6 million Jews were killed in Holocaust' |url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-828876 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114030310/https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-828876 |archive-date=14 November 2024 |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref>
In April 2026, Bilzerian criticized Trump amid the 2026 Iran War,<ref name="Congress"/> after Trump threatened Iran, writing "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again".<ref>{{cite news |last=Kimmins |first=Leigh |title=Republicans Call for Trump Impeachment After Wild Iran Death Threat |url=http://thedailybeast.com/republicans-call-for-trump-impeachment-after-wild-iran-death-threat/ |work=The Daily Beast |date=April 7, 2026}}</ref> Bilzerian called Trump "an extreme narcissist", and called on Trump's cabinet to invoke the Twenty-fifth Amendment.<ref name="Congress"/>
=== Antisemitism and views on Israel === Bilzerian has generated controversy for a series of antisemitic statements against Jews, Judaism, and Israel as early as 2010. He has gone on record to falsely claim that the Jewish people "perpetrated" the Holodomor in Soviet Ukraine, assassinated John F. Kennedy in 1963 and Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, created the "transgender nonsense", and orchestrated the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War, among other false assertions and antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Commentators have noted the apparent contradiction between Bilzerian's self-described partial Jewish ancestry and his repeated promotion of antisemitic conspiracy theories, Holocaust denial, and claims of Jewish supremacy and media control.<ref name="contradictionCriticism"/>
In a 2024 interview with Piers Morgan, Bilzerian argued that Judaism "promotes supremacy and rape, and steals from other people as long as they're not Jewish"<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KICYv4O03CA&ab_channel=PiersMorganUncensored |title="BRAZEN Antisemite!" Piers Morgan CALLS OUT Dan Bilzerian |date=2024-11-12 |last=Piers Morgan Uncensored |access-date=2024-11-13 |via=YouTube}}</ref> and that "most of the problems today are caused by Jewish supremacy". He also falsely claimed that all Israeli Jews are "Eastern European Ashkenazi Jews" and "don't have actual Hebrew DNA".<ref name="networth"/>
Bilzerian further argued that Jews "control the media".<ref name="jcArticle">{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Eliana |date=14 November 2024 |title=How 'masculinity' influencer Dan Bilzerian fell down a 'brazenly antisemitic' rabbit hole |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/features/how-masculinity-influencer-dan-bilzerian-fell-down-a-brazenly-antisemitic-rabbit-hole-does360z |url-status= |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=The Jewish Chronicle |language=en}}</ref> He also promoted Holocaust denial, saying that "I would bet my entire net worth that it was less than six million."<ref name="networth"/><ref name="jcArticle"/> Bilzerian followed up on this claim by stating that Jews "killed more Christians than six million" and that "they've basically invented genocide".<ref name="networth" /> <!-- ENOUGH DETAIL, THIS SECTION IS LONG ENOUGH -->
== Personal life == upright|thumb|Bilzerian in 2013 Due to his drug abuse, Bilzerian reportedly suffered two heart attacks before the age of 32.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Moran|first1=Lee|title=Instagram 'Playboy King' who suffered 3 heart failures rebrands as 'gentleman of poker'|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/poker-playing-bad-boy-suffered-3-heart-failures-article-1.1535828|access-date=November 9, 2014|work=New York Daily News|date=December 3, 2013}}</ref>
In 2014, Bilzerian split his time between homes in Hollywood Hills and Los Angeles (California)<ref name="wsj">{{cite news|last1=Reagan|first1=Brad|title=Dan Bilzerian's Life of Partying and Poker|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/dan-bilzerians-life-of-partying-and-poker-1410897368|access-date=November 9, 2014|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=September 16, 2014}}</ref> and Las Vegas (Nevada).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guysgab.com/dan-bilzerians-epic-vegas-bachelor-pad-can-be-yours-for-5-1-million/|title=Dan Bilzerians Epic Vegas Bachelor Pad Can Be Yours For $5.1 Million|website=guysgab.com|date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=July 17, 2019}}</ref> He moved to the Los Angeles neighborhood of Bel Air in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theblast.com/dan-bilzerian-housewarming-party-bel-air/|title=Dan Bilzerian Throws Epic Housewarming Party at $100 Million Mansion|work=The Blast|last1=Steiner|first1=Erica|date=June 11, 2018 |access-date=June 11, 2018}}</ref>
Bilzerian has said that he is of partial Jewish descent. In his 2021 memoir ''The Setup'', he described himself as "part Jewish" while discussing actor Mel Gibson's controversial remarks about Jews, writing: "Mel had been roasted in the media for popping off to some cop about Jews, and everyone went crazy. I'm part Jewish, and it didn't bother me."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/541670783/The-Setup#content=query:jewish,pageNum:339,indexOnPage:0,bestMatch:false|title=The Setup, page 339|website=Scribd.com|date=30 June 2021|access-date=13 May 2024}}</ref> In May 2026, during his congressional campaign, Bilzerian wrote on X that "12% doesn’t make you a jew" in response to renewed attention surrounding the memoir passage.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Bilzerian, Dan|user=danbilzerian|number=2054246882193313921|title=12% doesn’t make you a jew. Fuentes is a Sephardic jew name though.}}</ref>
=== 2017 Las Vegas shooting === Bilzerian was present at the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, which killed 61 people and injured hundreds of others. After Bilzerian saw a woman lying dead, he turned on a camera and filmed himself, as he attempted to grab a gun and return to the scene. His attempts to stop the shooter received both praise and criticism.<ref name="Shooting">{{cite news|last=Selk|first=Avi|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/2017/10/04/what-a-macho-gun-packing-instagram-star-did-when-he-was-caught-in-the-las-vegas-shooting/|title=What a macho, gun-packing Instagram star did when he was caught in the Las Vegas shooting|work=Salt Lake Tribune|date=4 October 2017}}</ref>
=== Legal issues === In 2014, Bilzerian sued the producers of the film ''Lone Survivor''. His lawsuit stated that he invested $1 million in the film in exchange for at least eight minutes of screen time and 80 words of dialogue, but his role was later reduced to less than one minute and just one line. His lawsuit demanded $1.2 million—the original investment plus 20 percent.<ref name=HollywoodReporter /> The lawsuit was later dropped, and Bilzerian said that he had generated $1.5 million in revenue as a result of his investment due to the film's commercial success.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/the-truth-about-dan-bilzerian|title=The truth about Dan Bilzerian|website=British GQ|date=July 19, 2017 }}</ref>
In August 2014, Bilzerian was banned from a Miami nightclub for kicking model Vanessa Castano in the face during a brawl. Bilzerian stated that Castano and another woman attacked Bilzerian's female companion. Castano stated, "There were two girls standing next to me at the table that were fighting. People started getting shoved and I tried to separate them. Then Dan pushed me off the banquette and once I fell he kicked me in the face."<ref>Driscoll, Brogan (August 12, 2014). [http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/12/08/king-of-instagram-dan-bilzerian_n_6289252.html "'King Of Instagram' Dan Bilzerian Banned For Life From Nightclub For Kicking A Woman In The Face"]. The Huffington Post.</ref> Castano later filed a lawsuit against Bilzerian for her injuries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dan Bilzerian Sued Over Face Kick in Miami|url=http://www.tmz.com/2014/12/10/dan-bilzerian-sued-kicking-woman-face-miami-nightclub/|website=TMZ.com|date=December 10, 2014 |publisher=TMZ|access-date=February 15, 2015}}</ref> It was also reported that Castano had asked Bilzerian for US$1 million to settle the suit citing the possibility of greater punitive damages based on his income if the suit went to trial.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dan Bilzerian Lifestyle Could Cost Him Millions In Face Kick Lawsuit|url=http://www.tmz.com/2014/12/12/dan-bilzerian-money-face-kick-lawsuit-settle-income/|website=tmz.com|date=December 12, 2014 |publisher=TMZ|access-date=February 15, 2015}}</ref>
In 2014, Bilzerian was involved in a legal matter with pornographic actress Janice Griffith. Griffith was featured in a photoshoot with Bilzerian for ''Hustler'' magazine in April 2014, which involved Bilzerian throwing her off the roof of a house and into a pool. Griffith fell short of the pool, hitting the edge, and broke her foot. The 18-year-old asked Bilzerian for $85,000 for her injuries, which was rejected. In December 2014 she filed a lawsuit against both ''Hustler'' and Bilzerian. Bilzerian's attorney responded that Griffith was under contract for the event by ''Hustler'', that ''Hustler'' hired Bilzerian for the event, and that Bilzerian was not at fault.<ref>Patrice, Joe (May 15, 2014). [http://abovethelaw.com/2014/05/the-most-epic-lawyer-response-ever-to-a-porn-star-threatening-to-sue/ "The Most Epic Lawyer Response Ever To A Porn Star Threatening To Sue"]. Above the Law.</ref> In January 2015, ''Hustler''{{'s}} attorney argued that the toss was an "act of God" and stated that it was not the publisher's fault that Griffith suffered injuries as a result.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dowling |first1=Kyle |title=Hustler Magazine, Roof-Tossed XXX Porn Star Janice Griffith, Dan Bilzerian Lawsuit: NSFW Nude Adult Mag Legal Docs Call Instagram "Biggest Playboy" Throw "Act Of God" Following Sex Lead Injuries |url=http://www.mstarz.com/articles/50268/20150125/hustler-magazine-roof-tossed-xxx-porn-star-janice-griffith-dan-bilzerian-lawsuit-nsfw-nude-adult-legal-documents-instagram-biggest-playboy-throw-act-god-sex-star-injuries.htm |access-date=February 15, 2015 |publisher=M Star News |date=January 25, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215215915/http://www.mstarz.com/articles/50268/20150125/hustler-magazine-roof-tossed-xxx-porn-star-janice-griffith-dan-bilzerian-lawsuit-nsfw-nude-adult-legal-documents-instagram-biggest-playboy-throw-act-god-sex-star-injuries.htm |archive-date=February 15, 2015 }}</ref>
On December 9, 2014, Bilzerian was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on unrelated bomb-making charges.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Caulfield|first1=Philip|title='Instagram playboy' Dan Bilzerian arrested at Los Angeles airport days after alleged model-kicking incident|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/dan-bilzerian-arrested-los-angeles-airport-article-1.2040432|work=Daily News|date=December 10, 2014|location=New York}}</ref> According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Bilzerian was arrested on a fugitive warrant from Nevada and was booked at the LAPD's Pacific Division around 10 pm: "Bilzerian has been charged with violating a law making it a crime to possess an explosive or incendiary device with the intent to manufacture it."<ref>Bloom, Tracy (December 10, 2014). [http://ktla.com/2014/12/10/instagram-celebrity-dan-bilzerian-arrested-in-la-police-say/ "Instagram Celebrity Dan Bilzerian Arrested at LAX: LAPD"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607091853/http://ktla.com/2014/12/10/instagram-celebrity-dan-bilzerian-arrested-in-la-police-say/ |date=June 7, 2018 }}. KTLA</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Celebrity poker player Dan Balzerian arrested in LA on weapons charge|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/celebrity-poker-player-dan-bilzerian-arrested-in-la-on-weapons-charge/2209800|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> He was released from LAPD custody on the day of his arrest after charges were dropped but was scheduled to be arraigned in January 2015 in Clark County, Nevada.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Serna|first1=Joseph|last2=Hamilton|first2=Matt|title='King of Instagram' freed after arrest at LAX|url=http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-instagram-king-jail-warrant-lax-20141210-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> In February 2015, Bilzerian pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of "negligently failing to extinguish a fire in the open" and was fined $17,231.50.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.casino.org/news/dan-bilzerian-pays-fine-avoids-jail-time-nevada-explosion | last = Horridge | first = Kevin | date = February 9, 2015 |access-date=February 10, 2015 |title=Dan Bilzerian Pays Fine But Avoids Jail Time After Nevada Explosion}}</ref><ref name=2014LVRJbomb>{{cite news|last1=Ferrara|first1=David|title=Dan Bilzerian arrested on Clark County bomb-making warrant|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/dan-bilzerian-arrested-clark-county-bomb-making-warrant|access-date=February 15, 2015|publisher=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=December 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311083428/http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/dan-bilzerian-arrested-clark-county-bomb-making-warrant|archive-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref>
In July 2020, former Ignite president Curtis Heffernan sued Bilzerian for wrongful termination. Heffernan said that he was fired for criticizing Bilzerian's misappropriation of company funds for his lavish lifestyle.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Roberts|first=Chris|title=Dan Bilzerian Is A Renter, And Someone Else Pays His Credit Card Bills: Lawsuit|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisroberts/2020/07/09/dan-bilzerian-is-a-renter/|access-date=July 11, 2020|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=July 11, 2020|title=Ex-Ignite Chief Says He Got Fired for Curbing Bilzerian's Bills – Bloomberg|website=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-08/ex-ignite-chief-says-he-got-fired-for-curbing-bilzerian-s-bills|access-date=July 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711181630/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-08/ex-ignite-chief-says-he-got-fired-for-curbing-bilzerian-s-bills|archive-date=July 11, 2020}}</ref>
=== Multiple citizenship === On August 28, 2018, Bilzerian flew to Armenia with his brother Adam and father Paul to take their oaths to obtain Armenian citizenship and join the Armed Forces of Armenia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/29455833.html|title='King Of Instagram' Gets Armenian Citizenship|website=«Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» ռադիոկայան|date=August 27, 2018 |last1=Lazarian |first1=Tatevik }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Public Radio of Armenia|url=https://en.armradio.am/|access-date=May 5, 2021|website=Public Radio of Armenia|language=en-US}}</ref>
On that same trip he visited the Republic of Artsakh where he visited a shooting range, and fired weapons there.<ref name="azatutyun.am">{{Cite news|url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/29474631.html|title=Baku Summons U.S. Diplomat Over Bilzerian Visit To Karabakh|website=«Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» ռադիոկայան|date=September 6, 2018 |last1=Buniatian |first1=Heghine }}</ref> The government of Azerbaijan sent a note of protest to the United States over these actions due to the contested status of Artsakh, and summoned U.S. Chargé d'Affaires William Gill to take an official note of protest addressed to the State Department. A court in Baku issued an arrest warrant for Bilzerian and put him on the international wanted list.<ref name="azatutyun.am" /> Two years later, Bilzerian and other members of his family donated $250,000 to the Armenia Fund to support Armenia and Artsakh during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, declaring that he was "very disappointed that Azerbaijan decided to attack the Armenian people."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://asbarez.com/197293/dan-bilzerians-family-pledges-250000-to-armenia-artsakh/|title=Dan Bilzerian's family pledges $250,000 to Armenia, Artsakh|newspaper=Asbarez|date=October 1, 2020|access-date=October 1, 2020|archive-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004070504/http://asbarez.com/197293/dan-bilzerians-family-pledges-250000-to-armenia-artsakh/|url-status=dead}}</ref> {{clear left}}
In May 2026, Bilzerian revealed that he holds a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport,<ref>{{cite tweet|number=2051430349553738169|title=Israel first Fine claims I’m a dual citizen which isn’t true. I have 3 passports and I’m happy to give up my St Kitts & Armenian when elected. Any jew can get Israeli citizenship same day and flee to Israel after raping kids. Thats the real threat and it needs to be stopped.|user=DanBilzerian|author=Bilzerian, Dan}}</ref> which are only available to citizens.
=== Police reserve === Bilzerian has referred to himself as a "cop for four years". He had previously obtained a paid membership for a reserve police force in Lake Arthur, New Mexico. The membership scheme was eventually shut down, after selling credentials to several billionaires and celebrities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/who-is-dan-bilzerian|title=Instagram king, womaniser and wannabe cannabis multibillionaire: we spend a day with Dan Bilzerian|work=GQ|date=18 July 2019}}</ref>
== In popular culture == In October 2016, American rapper T-Pain released the song "Dan Bilzerian".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lyle |first=Ashley |date=2016-10-27 |title=T-Pain & Lil Yachty Team Up for Carefree Anthem 'Dan Bilzerian': Listen |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/t-pain-lil-yachty-instagram-dan-bilzerian-song-stream-7557658/ |access-date=2025-06-22 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
== Filmography == {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |2013 |''Olympus Has Fallen''<ref>Mariano, Kristin Dian (March 27, 2014). [http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/545279/20140327/instagram-playboy-dan-bilzerian-poker-win-10.htm "5 Things You Should Know About 'Instagram Playboy' Dan Da Goat Bielzabub And Why Men Are Envious"]. ''International Business Times''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922053255/http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/545279/20140327/instagram-playboy-dan-bilzerian-poker-win-10.htm |date=September 22, 2014 }}</ref> | |Uncredited |- |2013 |''Lone Survivor''<ref name=HollywoodReporter>Couch, Aaron (August 28, 2013). [http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/actor-sues-lone-survivor-producers-616876 "Actor Sues 'Lone Survivor' Producers After Role Cut"]. ''The Hollywood Reporter''.</ref> |SCPO Daniel R. Healy |Uncredited |- |2014 |''The Other Woman''<ref>[http://www.latinopost.com/articles/7066/20140724/dan-bilzerian-net-worth-top-things-know-millionaire.htm "Dan Bilzerian Net Worth & Top Things to Know About The Millionaire"]. The Latino Post. July 24, 2014.</ref> |Handsome Man at Bar |Uncredited |- |2014 |''The Equalizer'' |Teddy's Guy | |- |2014 |''Cat Run 2'' |Cordray | |- |2015 |''Extraction'' |Higgins | |- |2016 |''War Dogs'' |Himself |Uncredited cameo |}
== Bibliography == *{{cite book|last=Bilzerian|first=Dan|title=The Setup|date=2021|isbn=978-1737550112}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} *{{twitter}} *{{IMDb name}}
{{United States presidential election, 2016}} {{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bilzerian, Dan}} Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:American collectors Category:American male film actors Category:American people of Armenian descent Category:American poker players Category:California Republicans Category:Male actors from Tampa, Florida Category:American anti-Zionists Category:American conspiracy theorists Category:American Internet celebrities Category:American Holocaust deniers Category:Anti-Israeli sentiment in the United States Category:Antisemitism in the United States Category:John F. Kennedy conspiracy theorists Category:Naturalized citizens of Armenia Category:American right-wing activists Category:Foreign relations of Hamas Category:Anti-American sentiment in the United States Category:Foreign relations of Iran