When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. Johnsons friends and rivals all embraced him on the floor, as if the barriers initially created by the disease had been totally wiped away. And now, she is the owner of her own self-titled sunglasses company, Elisa Johnson. Everything has gone right. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. Magic Johnson: 20 years on from an All-Star game that changed basketball Read more He is less coy, though, when describing the reason he sought wealth, and was not content with the riches of. 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. "I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing Hes a businessman and podcaster. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV.'". The star even garnered comparisons to Kim Kardashian in 2016 when he attended a wedding wearing a netted jumpsuit that looked like a dress she had worn to Cannes Lion the previous summer. He revealed on the season finale of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" that he'd lost about 180 pounds since the procedure. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. E.J. When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! Apple today unveiled the teaser trailer for "They Call Me Magic," premiering April 22 on Apple TV+. "I always wanted to come into the spotlight," EJ told the YouTube talk show "Gwissues" shortly after (via ESPN). Furthermore, a low viral load severely reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?" Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. But today, thanks to advancements in antiretroviral drugs, the life expectancy (opens in new tab) of a young person diagnosed with HIV is not dissimilar from that of a similarly aged person without HIV, according to Healthline (opens in new tab). It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' The NBA regular season had just started, with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looking to defend their championship. Magic Johnson's remarkable life was thrown into question after he was diagnosed with HIV. #teamthis, A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 18, 2016 at 2:44pm PDT. Besides recognizing himself as a gender-fluid person, he has also been known for enjoying his lavish way of living. As it turns out, EJ Johnson and his younger sister, Elisa Johnson, have the same type so much so that she started dating his pseudo-ex in 2016. (The series was canceled after the first season. That was a very, very hard thing for me. NBA legend Magic Johnsons son, EJ Johnson, is on his way of becoming a fashion icon as well as a voice for the transgender community. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. EJ told Jada Pinkett Smith in an April 2019 episode of Red Table Talk that dating was hard because of his famous father. His star hasnt dimmed as he has become a celebrity in his own right over the past few years, and sharing his own story about coming out to his parents as a gay Black man. "I read a story where you went to him and said . EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. He said on an interview: I guess youre just floating in the spectrum, youre not really defined by any gender confines if you will, Im just EJ.. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . "I told her how I was feeling and she obviously told me that she had known and always would love me anyway," he said during an interview with "Gwissues" host Howard Bragman (via ESPN). When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. The son of an autoworker, Johnson earned his nickname "Magic" in high school for his creative and entertaining ballhandling. Like her mom and brother EJ, Elisa is interested in fashion, and launched her own sunglass line in 2021. But I don't feel incomplete in that way. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. In 1977, he met Earlitha . 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. In fact, it was made out of the same material, and the styling was near-identical. His father took a while to come around to the news. EJ was a guest host on Fashion Police and has filledin on E! Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot in 1991, one year before the Los Angeles Lakers player retired. Already a trailblazer who's been challenging long-standing gender stereotypes when it comes to his attire, EJ was considering launching his own fashion collection back in 2017, according to The New York Times. Johnson began to speak out and he has never retreated. Where is Magic Johnson from? EJ is 62, just seven inches shorter than his father Magic. 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. ", EJ concluded, "I don't feel the need to transition. News' "Just the Sip" in 2019 (via People). However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. Crediting dad Magic Johnson for giving him the following advice, EJ recalled, "Make sure you check your surroundings and be you, do you, but make sure you're not putting yourself in dangerous situations where you could get hurt.". ", Regardless, EJ admits his loved ones' support helped ground him. Jennifer Lopez, Magic Johnsons Son Rump Shake in San Tropez https://t.co/ZAaXbYEnks pic.twitter.com/djPolv14Wz, ? To recap: during a bizarre interviewin 2014 with Anderson Cooper, Sterling the former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers who was banned from the NBA for life for making racist remarks claimed that Magic Johnson "should be ashamed of himself" for contracting HIV. who hasnt thought about it.. We're very proud of him." He'd come up with stupid rules: 'No scarves in the house.' I also said I was going to beat the disease. In June, Andre posted a photo of his familystep mom Cookie includedat Gigi's sixth-grade graduation. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. Sunday marks the 30th anniversary of Magic Johnson's decision to retire from basketball upon learning he had been diagnosed with HIVone of the biggest, most impactful moments for . He was cast in the first season of E! Earvin Johnson III (born June 4, 1992) is an American television personality and socialite who is also the son of Magic Johnson.EJ JohnsonNationalityAmericanOccupationTelevision personality, socialite, fashion commentatorMagic Johnson (parent) Earlitha Kelly (mother)2 more rowsMagic Johnson Magic Johnson Kids Things got rocky after the socialite was outed in 2013 when TMZposted a video of him holding hands with his then-boyfriend. When the former Rich Kids of Beverly Hills cast member came out to his father, the longtime NBA legend did not take it so well. The next day, he apologized to his son as he emotionally told him they would get through this. In 2018, EJ Johnson and his mom Cookie Johnson made an appearance on Willow and Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk, where Cookie revealed that when EJ came out to his parents, it was a little tough because Magic Johnson wasnt supportive at first. Magic even posted on social media how proud he was of EJs new role. 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. EJ said the reaction to his sexuality varied from positive to extremely harsh, but it doesn't look like he gave his haters too much attention. "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. Mar 3, 2013 - 5:20 am. Would love your thoughts, please comment. I like my body.. Unlike other former professional athletes' kids who have followed in their footsteps onto the court or field, Magic Johnson's children have all forged their own paths. Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. ", 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. That doesn't mean it was always easy, however. "Thank you for teaching us how to be people of action, not words, and to always be a blessing to those around you," Andre wrote in the caption. I get these every night, every game, he said. Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. Turner sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson shared photo of son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33. In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. The Rolling Stones frontman has a huge family. Magic Johnson, byname of Earvin Johnson, Jr., (born August 14, 1959, Lansing, Michigan, U.S.), American basketball player who led the National Basketball Association (NBA) Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. EJ Johnson has long thought about taking a stab at the fashion industry. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); His clothing showed more skin after he dropped more than 100 pounds after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in 2014. The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. I think its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. It was sad. 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). EJ singled out the show's producers, claiming, "Everyone was just worried about me being 'relatable,' and even that word made me want to gag.". Magic Johnson death news is trending on the Internet. It cant be wrong. Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. I like my body. "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. 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. "I was told not to say anything about him kissing me, but he did. The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. The year was 2010, and scarves were in. Needless to say, basketball legends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson ceased being true friends a long time ago. HIV and AIDS are not the only conditions we're still looking to cure. "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. But Magic knew that for E.J., coming out to his parents, which happened years ago,. According to the Associated Press, EJ Johnson attended New York University with an event management and design major while minoring in fashion, journalism, and media. News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. The story of how the Lakers won a title in his first season and went on to win many more over the next decade is chronicled in HBO's latest series, 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.' He has six siblings and three half-siblings, all of whose names are unknown. spinoff, EJNYC, which followed his life as he moved to New York City. ". Since EJ Johnsons sexual orientation has become public, his famous father has appeared in interviews speaking out about the importance of embracing children for who they are. You have to be prepared for people to say certain things about you, and it just wasnt for me, she said about starring with her brother on EJNYC. I feel like this is the body Im supposed to be in. 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. 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. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. Our deepest condolences are with Cheryl, Ernie and their family, friends and loved ones as we mourn with them, the statement read. Magic posts about his wife and kids often on social media. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. EJ Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Transitioning | Just The Sip | E! The son of basketball star Magic Johnson set his sights on NYC staple 1OAK for his own personal fashion show, where he was seen strutting some serious leg in a thigh-high fringe skirt, black tank . He is known for wearing both men's and womens clothing and putting his own spin on it. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. "I'm ready to go. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. In 1991, Cookie was pregnant with EJ when Magic announced to the world that he was HIV positive. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Maybe you've heard about him on the internet or in a tabloid headline. The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. The date was November 7, 1991. EJ added, "I'm fortunate that I'm in a world where I can do what I want to do and walk down the street in whatever I want to wear and break those walls down. We lost michael johnson today and were crushed. He also questioned if EJ was sure he knew what he was saying. Magic Johnson holding the Walter A. RELATED:See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. A five-time world champion, three-time league and Finals MVP and a man who played in the Finals nine of his 12 professional seasons, or for 75 percent of his career. The rise of the Los Angeles Lakers from years of a title drought was helped in big part by them drafting Earvin "Magic" Johnson in 1979. One thing, of course, was very clear: there had been infidelity on Johnsons part. Johnson came out as gay to his family at the age of 17 and came out publicly in 2013 after a report by TMZ published pictures of him holding hands with a male friend. Magic Johnson played in five of Los Angeles eight preseason games that year, but he officially called it quits on Nov. 3, 1992 after an outpouring of criticism and concern from players and executives around the league. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. On Nov. 8, 1991, the day after the Los Angeles Lakers star announced he had been diagnosed with the virus, Mark Heisler of the Los Angeles Times (opens in new tab) wrote: "Many people [diagnosed] with HIV live many years with few serious effects on their health. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. Indeed, Magic made one more brief comeback with the Purple and Gold during the 1995-96 season, and he has served in a variety of roles for the Lakers ever since. News in 2018 that he had no plans to transition. I love everything about it." He previously served as the Executive Vice President of his dads company, Magic Johnson Enterprises. What's the real deal with EJ Johnson? Approximately 36,000 people are diagnosed with HIV each year, and more than 15,000 die annually, although these deaths can be from any cause, not necessarily from an AIDS-related illness. However, EJ had already discussed his sexual orientation with his family. 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. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? He appeared on CNNs This Is Life in 2018 and opened up about his identity. Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. 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. It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. Because he was so proud. "I thought about it, for sure," he said (via Us Weekly). Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. Related: Try Dopamine Dressing With 20 New Looks. She was 26 years old when she was found dead above the Major Deegan Expressway. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Johnson was a mountain of a man, the biggest, most powerful point guard anyone had ever seen. Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his son will continue to put the work in and have a positive relationship. In the 1988 NBA Finals between the Pistons and the Lakers, Thomas and Johnson. You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. ESPN and Fox aired primetime tributes to Johnson's son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33 after a lifelong struggle with muscular dystrophy. The 62-year-old was first drafted on the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and continued to play for them for 13 seasons.. It was an arguably tone-deaf remark for the otherwise media-savvy fashionista, particularly since he was so outspoken about the Donald Sterling controversy that inadvertently ensnared his father. However, it was not a shock to his parents. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. 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. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. His role as an influencer is a staple in his work that is grounded in gender-flouting. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. E.J. They have a son, EJ, and in 1995, they adopted a girl, Elisa. 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. How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. "I was just like, 'Well, do I want to transition? "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. His two kids with Cookie, EJ Johnson and Elisa Johnson, are now in their 20s and are making names for themselves in two very different careers, and Magic's oldest child, 40-year-old Andre Johnson, from his relationship with Melissa Mitchell, is now a dad of his own. While Magics decision to retire was clear enough, the implications were still rather unknown. When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. On "Oprah's Next Chapter," Cookie and Magic open up about how they learned their son was gay and why their love is unconditional. She said, That was a very hard thing for me. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. He actually helped me get there. Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. Put on my outfit. 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. "I walk in the office and he started talking about the test," Johnson says. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. Im very happy with myself. EJ said, I like myself the way that I am. Magic Johnson was invited to participate as a member of the Western Conference during the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the MVP after scoring 25 points and adding nine assists in a feel-good performance. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. Magic Johnson was invited to participate as a member of the Western Conference during the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the MVP after scoring 25 points and adding nine assists in a feel-good. At the time, EJ was still a student at New York University. The star initially came out to his mother when he was a teenager. EJ told the New York Times in 2017 that he learned about his fathers diagnosis while doing a book report and finding a book about his father in the library while in elementary school. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. The fact that the gay man is the son of legendary NBA player, Magic Johnson . Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. Magic has three kids, but he and Cookie have two children together. 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. section: | slug: magic-johnson-opens-up-on-living-with-hiv-30-years-after-his-diagnosis | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | Today he is becoming a fashionista who is looking to give a stronger voice to the transgender community through his own experience. Cookie Johnson, Magic's wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. In 2013, Johnson came out as gay to his family at the age of 17 after a TMZ report published pictures of him holding hands with a male friend.

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