I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. Magic Johnsonis one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. Because there are so many people who try to discriminate against them, so they need you to support them. 6-keys: media/spln/nba/reg/free/stories, at Magic has three kids, but he and Cookie have two children together. (The series was canceled after the first season. Today he is becoming a fashionista who is looking to give a stronger voice to the transgender community through his own experience. Michael Johnson, the son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, has died, his father announced Friday night. It happened," he said (via theDaily Mail). EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. For more entertainment and celebrity news sent to you directly, sign up for our daily newsletter. The NBA star and businesswoman, who met in college, have been together on and off for over 40 years and. Magic's oldest son, Andre, was born in 1981, two years after his father first joined the NBA. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. He did have a fashion blog, but it no longer exists. When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. But being a fashion icon on the making has not to stop EJ from being a loving family guy with his parents and siblings. Ive never done anything on television that is this honest and real, he shared in an Instagram post promoting the segment. That was a very, very hard thing for me. These "long-term nonprogressors" or "elite controllers," estimated at as few as one in 500, have lived for decades with HIV, despite not being on antiretroviral therapy. Former basketball star Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot back in 1991, one year before the longtime Los Angeles Lakers player retired from the NBA. EJ recalled, "[Magic] just was like, we're gonna get through this, I just need time and we both just started crying a little bit. When the NBA star first learned that EJ was gay, Magic expressed that this wasnt what he wanted for his son. Not only has Magic Johnson carried on the way he likely envisioned prior to a premature retirement, but also he remains one of the games best ambassadors. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. Johnson wanted to bring Starbucks to the inner city, and he had to convince Schultz that his coffee shops would prosper there. "This guy we adopted from Romania in 1991 and diagnosed with. See Magic Johnson's Three Children All Grown Up Today, See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star, See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up, eyewear was designed by the youngest Johnson, See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star, See Charles Barkley's Only Daughter All Grown Up. Are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?" We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. Magic Johnson's Son Was the Executive Vice President of His Company Andre Johnson graduated in 1999 from Santa Monica College with a degree in Business Management. In the past, EJ has consistently nabbed headlines for his unapologetic sense of fashion and candid attitude, whether he's speaking about the realities of LGBTQ+ adults or sparring with his sister, Elisa Johnson, on screen. The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus. Today. Its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become, Magic Johnson told Ellen DeGeneres on the Ellen Show. HIV is now considered a chronic health condition that can be managed with the right drugs and a healthy lifestyle. Maybe you've seen him on his E! Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. It is precisely these kinds of drugs that have helped Magic Johnson manage the disease and have made HIV a chronic health condition rather than a fatal disease. Originally published on Live Science on 04 March 2022 and updated on 24 August 2022. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". He is known for wearing both men's and womens clothing and putting his own spin on it. In 2017, EJ Johnson got candid with The New York Times about his sports star father's very public journey with HIV, which began when EJ's mother was two months pregnant with him. "The school called my mom and was like, 'We don't know if you want him to do the book report, because it talks about the H.I.V.,'" EJ said, adding, "I think it was at that point that they told me that he had been sick and he's a lot better.". Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. Story highlights. Before the Los Angeles Lakers' final game of the 2018-19 season, Magic Johnson stunned the team and the NBA world at large by stepping down as the team's president of basketball operations.. This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. Magic was diagnosed with HIV 45 days after Cookie and Magic married, and their lives were permanently transformed. Earvin EJ Johnson III is the son of NBA Hall of famer and Los Angeles Lakers legendary point guard, Earvin Magic Johnson, a five-time NBA Champion, entrepreneur and Earletha Cookie Johnson, a notable Hollywood actress and successful entrepreneur. Were very proud of him. But behind closed doors, things looked a little different, because Magic had a hard time accepting that his son is gay. But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. Yet through all the ups and downs, he remains the same bubbly person he has always been. Upon graduation, he worked in A&R for five years at Elektra Entertainment with artists like Jay Z, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani. "I like myself the way that I am. Upon infection with HIV, a person's immune system kills off nearly all of the virus and infected cells. We've come across little random tidbits maybe, obviously when I'm in different parts of the world and other countries, things are different," he claimed. Cookie Johnson, Magic's wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. "Scarves were really big for men's fashion," EJ explained. So, if you're wondering what exactly happened back then, we've got you covered. Magic Johnson's remarkable life was thrown into question after he was diagnosed with HIV. Brown championship trophy after winning the NBA title in 1980 with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. Turner Sports, in a statement posted on social media, said: We are heartbroken over the passing of Cheryl and Ernies beloved son, Michael, a true hero who uplifted and brought joy to everyone he touched. Therapists say it can damage your connection. "We were just so astonished at the things he was saying, and not just that he brought my dad into it, but the fact that he was being just blatantly racist. ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. I'm just very comfortable in my own skin. "I'll Deal With It: HIV Has Forced Me To Retire, But I'll Still Enjoy Life As I Speak Out About Safe Sex," by Magic Johnson, "Magic Johnson opens up about his health, career 30 years after HIV diagnosis: 'You just sit there and say, what does this mean? Find out why exercise can be important to mental health too. I enjoyed the Trump presidency more than I should have but sense that I'll be paying the bill by having to explain to the kiddos what really happened. 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. How and When Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? He also takes great pride in his skills and talents as a make-up artist. Both were recently reunited for debut of . How Magic Johnson Messed Up When His Son Came Out In 2013, a TMZ photographer captured a photo of EJ Johnson walking on the Sunset Strip while holding hands with his boyfriend at the time. New York, But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. He was the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games and is currently the Executive Vice President of Business Development at SimWin Sports. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and our family. News), EJ said, "Whether it's the African-American community, or in my case, the gay community, it's important to make sure that we represent those communities in a positive way. Interestingly enough, EJ spilled all the inside tea when he appeared on Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk. When TMZ featured EJ Johnsons boyfriend, some were surprised to learn that he is gay. According to a 2021 profile of Magic, his mother, a devout Christian, felt the nickname was "blasphemous.". "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. Andre also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. Milan is currently in a relationship withtrans reality star and beauty influencer Lauryn England. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder of progressive muscular weakness, which typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. Magic, 63, says his son, whom he shares with his wife Cookie Johnson, "is so beloved all over the world" as a television personality and as an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. These and other HIV-fighting drugs are "hideously expensive," said Lieb. ". Im very happy with myself. Johnson, 37, and his wife of 13 years, Chastity, were . After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. ", "It's a totally new mindset," EJ told Page Sixthat September. Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, EJNYC, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and most recently The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder are just a few of the TV programs in which EJ has made appearances. "Johnson went on to attack the HIV stigma with the same passion he displayed on the court, launching the Magic Johnson Foundation to raise awareness about the virus, then pushing Congress and the White House to spend money to fight the disease," wrote Nelson Oliveira for CBS News (opens in new tab). Johnson, now 60, is currently the CEO and the founder of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), an investment conglomerate valued at an estimated $1 billion dollars, according to its website. Legit.ng recently published Emily Faye Miller's biography. Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his son will continue to put the work in and have a positive relationship. The rising reality star is the son of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. I also said I was going to beat the disease. EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Cookie revealed that she noticed her son was different since he was a little boy, however, she thought he would grow out of it, but it happened the opposite. But while Jordan and the Bulls began the year healthy and optimistic, the Los Angeles Lakerswho were the Western Conference representatives in the 1991 NBA Finalswere about to be blindsided. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. TMZ Sportspublished the last known paparazzi photo of the pair in 2017 and called Alcaraz Elisa's "quasi-boyfriend." NY 10036. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. Magic even posted on social media how proud he was of EJs new role. By taking the right regimen every day, most people living with HIV can see the number of virus particles in a sample of their blood, or viral load, become undetectably low. Johnson attended New York University where he studied hospitality with a focus on event planning and design, according to various different profiles. 1:59 Coming for b*tches 5:48 Unlikely friends 7:24 Magic Johnsons Son 9:48 The ho phase 11:06 Transitioning? Magic Johnson dominated the court as one of professional basketball's best players for 13 years. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. "I'm completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle." In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. Medication can disrupt these processes, and to that end, Johnson is currently taking reverse transcriptase inhibitor and protease inhibitor drugs, which are contained in the pharmaceuticals Trizivir and Kaletra, respectively, according to the Daily Beast. EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. A video surfaced on Twitter of Lopez and EJ Johnson getting their dance on to Teena Maries Square Biz while at his Magic Johnsons 60th Birthday party in Saint Tropez. He was 33. "My ignorance could cost me my life, but I wanted to try and ensure that no one else would become infected with HIV for the same reason" Johnson wrote in Sports Illustrated (opens in new tab) on November 18, 1991. In a 2022 interview with Variety, EJ spoke about how his father initially struggled to accept his identity. At the time of Magic Johnson's diagnosis, there was a strong stigma around HIV and AIDS. ?Brandon Scoop B Robinson (@ScoopB) September 4, 2019. ", EJ Johnson is aware that as a public figure who is a member of two marginalized groups, he has a responsibility to be a role model. Not only does a low viral count stave off symptoms of HIV and AIDS, but it also slashes the odds of a randomly mutated copy of the virus emerging that can prove resistant to the therapy. That's what happened with Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas, whose relationship began to deteriorate after the Lakers and Pistons met in back-to-back NBA Finals in 1988 and 1989. ", According to BET, he also recognizes how lucky he is to be able to live freely as "a young Black man in the public eye who plays with gender norms." Discovery Company. It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. EJ dropped the bombshell during an episode of "EJNYC," where he claimed that Elisa's then-boyfriend, French model Anthony Alcaraz, was the same guy he had previously kissed in a club. Of course, the revelation about Magic Johnson's diagnosis said to be the result of an extra-marital affair led to a significant period of turmoil for the family. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. PerBET, the show was "not completely ratchet with hair pulling and fighting," but let's be honest, it wasn't exactly "Masterpiece Theater," either. "Even in the summer, you had you Were getting a closer look into the life and career of NBA legend Magic Johnson with They Call Me Magic streaming on Apple TV+. } Also joining them were Cookie's mom, sister, and their nephew. Michael, who suffered . While appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in April 2017, the host talked to Magic about what kind of advice he would give to a parent whose child comes out. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. Hes a businessman and podcaster. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | 2023 Cable News Network. His style is androgynous, from ankle boots, sheer tops, diamond chokers, and furs to feminine with dresses with thigh-high slits. However, thanks to advancements in antiretroviral drugs and management of the condition, the 63-year-old continues to thrive in his roles as a sports analyst, businessman and HIV activist more than 30 years later. In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. The son of an autoworker, Johnson earned his nickname "Magic" in high school for his creative and entertaining ballhandling. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. EJ Johnson was born on June 4, 1992. However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. In fact, it was made out of the same material, and the styling was near-identical. The Hall of Fame point guard also insisted he would become a spokesman for HIV. The origins of Magic Johnson's nickname date back well before Winning Time episode 1's story, as it began when he was in high school. In his own way, he is becoming a fashion reference and an example for the transgender community. Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. Magic Johnson and EJ have a great relationship, but theyre also open about the work it took to get there when EJ first came out. In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. } else { In 2017, rumors began to circulate about a possible romantic relationship between EJ and Christopher Milan, a former Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star. EJ was a guest host on Fashion Police and has filledin on E! Magic Johnson Investments He has had partnerships previously with Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, T.G.I Fridays, and AMC Theatres. RELATED:See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-72659260-1&cid=3f04818d-0c52-47fe-9dbf-229a559738e6&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=8719156970272511032'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. "We are so proud of her and I love that she's doing what she always wanted to do, work in the fashion industry," Magic wrote in an Instagram post. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. EJ Johnson's fans aren't the only ones who speculated about his gender identity, however. You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. The gender-fluid fashionista is always flaunting his amazing wardrobe. (Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) "It. Magic recalls their first meeting some 20 years ago as a moment that further focused his commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness : "Hydeia means the world to me," Johnson said. However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: (L-R) EJ Johnson and Lea Michele speak onstage during the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 28, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. "I read a story where you went to him and said . All Rights Reserved. "High ART costs are among many structural barriers that lead to poor treatment access and adherence, contributing to suboptimal HIV outcomes in the United States," according to a report published by JAMA Internal Medicine (opens in new tab) in 2020. Earvin "EJ" Johnson III is the son of NBA Hall of famer and Los Angeles Lakers legendary point guard, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a five-time NBA Champion, entrepreneur and Earletha "Cookie". News' recap, EJ urged his sister to call it quits with Alcaraz, and it looks like she eventually heeded his advice. EJ launched a now-defunctfashion blog in 2014. The first enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, turns the virus' genetic instructions encoded in a single RNA strand into double-stranded DNA. I don't feel the need to do that. having their privacy invaded by paparazzi, some were surprised to learn that he is gay, Magics wife made sure to let him know that his reaction wasnt OK, has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender. On "Oprah's Next Chapter," Cookie and Magic open up about how they learned their son was gay and why their love is unconditional. 10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021, How mental health affects physical health, "They told me that the three-drug combination was going to save my life, and they were right," Johnson told The Guardian (opens in new tab) in 2021. Did you encounter any technical issues? navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); He was unhappy with his portrayal on the show, saying, "I don't even recognize that person. Miller is an English model . is amazing, he added. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. Despite the stunning realization that Magic Johnson would no longer be taking the court, the league did give him one of the more memorable sendoffs in recent sports history. You can also learn about some of the cancers we're still battling and why they're so challenging. In scientific terms, this mode of replication classifies HIV as a retrovirus, hence "antiretroviral" drugs. Lieb said that in the state of Florida alone, hundreds of patients have lived full lives since being diagnosed with HIV in the early 1980s, when the first confirmed AIDS cases were confirmed in the United States (opens in new tab). When Magic Johnson's iconic basketball career was interrupted by a stunning HIV diagnosis three decades ago, the newlywed NBA legend had no idea how much time he had to live or how the virus.