Dana White’s ‘human biologist’ Gary Brecka awarded $450k in lawsuit over re-purposing of his JRE clip

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Dana White’s ‘human biologist’ Gary Brecka has secured a significant legal victory, with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida awarding him $450,000 in damages. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that Wundr Holdings LLC, operating under the name Wundr, used clips from Brecka’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience and his Ultimate Human podcast to promote their own hydrogen water bottles—without his consent.

Brecka has been a vocal advocate for hydrogen water, describing it as the “best type of water for human consumption.” During his November appearance on Rogan’s podcast, Brecka discussed the scientific research behind hydrogen water, highlighting its benefits for gut health, nutrient absorption, and inflammation management.

While Brecka often promotes the Echo Go+, a portable hydrogen water bottle, he claimed on Rogan’s show that he personally tests all products he endorses. However, Wundr allegedly clipped portions of Brecka’s discussion, giving the impression he was endorsing their competing product. This unauthorized use of his likeness and content led to the trademark lawsuit.

The lawsuit, Brecka v. Zimmerman et al, accused Scott Zimmerman and Wundr Holdings LLC of trademark violations and deceptive practices. Brecka argued that Wundr’s actions not only infringed on his intellectual property but also misled consumers by associating his reputation with their product.

 

Judge William P. Dimitrouleas ruled in Brecka’s favor, awarding $225,000 in actual damages and an additional $225,000 in punitive damages. The court also granted a permanent injunction against Wundr, barring them from using Brecka’s content in any form.

This case is just the latest controversy involving Brecka, whose previous legal disputes with former business partner Grant Cardone have drawn significant attention. Brecka’s celebrity connections—including Joe Rogan, UFC President Dana White, and Hollywood A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio—have been instrumental in the growth of 10X Health Systems, a company he co-founded.

However, as ex-Scientologist Aron Smith Levin recently revealed, Dana White’s involvement with 10X Health has sparked speculation about affiliate payments and financial arrangements. Levin alleged that White (Rogan and others) profit from promoting 10X Health products, leading to legal threats from White’s legal team.

Levin’s comments also suggested that Brecka’s influence, rather than Cardone’s, is the backbone of 10X Health’s success. Levin emphasized:

“If Gary Brecka leaves, the entire program collapses. Forty percent of the revenue comes from affiliate sales driven by VIPs and celebrities connected to Gary, not Grant.”

Is hydrogen water even a real thing?

Brecka told Rogan:

“So, you put hydrogen ions into the water. It not only feeds the hydrophiles in your bloodstream, but it also improves the absorption of nutrients and supplements in your stomach. It actually helps enzymes further break down—they complete what’s called the lock-and-key method in your stomach.”

“The studies on hydrogen water and neuroinflammatory disease and chronic inflammation are astounding. I put them all on my Instagram so people can actually just go and click through them and read the conclusion sections.”

“If I could drink only one type of water, it would be hydrogenated water. You can’t overdo it with hydrogen water, either.”

Hydrogen-rich water has been studied for its potential health benefits, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research indicates that it may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to various health conditions.

In the context of neuroinflammatory diseases, some animal studies have shown promising results. For instance, research on Alzheimer’s disease mouse models found that hydrogen-rich water prevented synaptic loss and neuronal death, inhibited the formation of senile plaques, and reduced hyperphosphorylated tau and neurofibrillary tangles.

Additionally, a review highlighted the neuroprotective effects of hydrogen therapy in conditions like stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting its potential therapeutic role.

However, it’s important to note that while these findings are encouraging, most of the current research is based on animal models or small-scale human studies. More extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits in humans.

Regarding the claim that hydrogen water improves nutrient and supplement absorption in the stomach, there is currently limited scientific evidence to support this assertion.

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