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. I dont feel the need to transition. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. 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). I'm so blessed to help continue the conversation about our community and what it means to truly live your truth. EJ doesnt plan to transition either. Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. I always say that if you feel like youre not in the right body, then by all means get to where you want to be I dont feel that Im in the wrong body. Inside The Lives Of Magic Johnson's Children - NickiSwift.com At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. 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. In 2014, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, a reality series following lives of some of the richest kids. Is this something that I would do?' How and When Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? } "It was hard because I loved her so much and I hated to hurt her," Magic Johnson said. EJ Johnson, Magic Johnsons Son: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. How Magic Johnson Fought the AIDS Epidemic | The New Yorker 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. This is a gradual process known as the HIV life cycle and it is by blocking the virus at each stage of this process that it can be prevented from advancing to AIDS. 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. "I thought about it, for sure," he said (via Us Weekly). News in 2018 that he had no plans to transition. 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. In a 2022 interview with Variety, EJ spoke about how his father initially struggled to accept his identity. The Drugs, Sex, and Swagger of the 1980s Lakers--Plus How They'd - GQ Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. 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 reveals his son EJ's coming out 'changed' him This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. 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. But perhaps the most resonating phrase from Johnson that day is this: Im going to go on, Im going to beat it, and and Im going to have fun.. "And he just could not stand it. I Image: Getty Images. READ ALSO: Emily Faye Miller's bio: life before and after Too Hot To Handle. I think its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZ essentially outed him, per TheThings. The transformed, soon-to-be NYU grad and son of Magic Johnson showed off his new look on Good Day New York. HIV is now considered a chronic health condition that can be managed with the right drugs and a healthy lifestyle. Magic Johnson Net Worth 2022, Salary & Endorsements - Sportskeeda Magic Johnson, whom they drafted in 1979, was a vital cog in their championship runs. However, Magic revealed in that press conference that his biggest fan was less than thrilled. Magic Johnson's Parents Actually Hated His Nickname - Bustle This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. Both were recently reunited for debut of . Though his first reaction may not have been perfect, he definitely seems to be in a better place now. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! Here [in the United States] I do not experience that much racism, I feel like that's probably more prevalent before I was born.". EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. News' recap, EJ urged his sister to call it quits with Alcaraz, and it looks like she eventually heeded his advice. Magic Johnson Death News Trending On Internet: What Happened To Him Magic Johnson Celebrates Son EJ's 30th Birthday: 'So Honored' - Peoplemag When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. Nowadays, EJ Johnson seems to be living his dreams. Yet it was his charisma, especially at his precocious age, that floored. This seemed all the more evident during the 1992 Olympics, when Johnson joined Team USA as a member of the famed Dream Team in Barcelona. And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . EJ said, Its always been a struggle. "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). EJ Johnson Sports 180-Pound Weight Loss in a Sheer Shirt - E! Online "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? "I read a story where you went to him and said . Apple today unveiled the teaser trailer for "They Call Me Magic," premiering April 22 on Apple TV+. 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. "Even in the summer, you had you reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { "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. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! (Image credit: Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO via Getty Images). I don't feel that I'm in the wrong body. Andre also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. 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. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. Magic Johnson's 3 Kids: Everything to Know - people.com ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! The girl who changed Magic Johnson | CNN Magic Johnson recounts the ugly end of his Lakers presidency 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. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! Where Are Magic Johnson's Parents Now? - The Cinemaholic His father took a while to come around to the news. I'm just very comfortable in my own skin. EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. HIV spreads by hijacking a subset of white blood cells called CD4 cells or T cells, which are the body's first line of defense against foreign invaders, and using the cells' DNA to make copies of itself or replicate; in this process, these T cells get destroyed, according to Healthline (opens in new tab). Sometimes it's hard being in the middle, kind of in the gray area in my own lane." It's just business as usual and that business is his family. 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 Johnson and His Family Including Son EJ - Yahoo! Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. I really think its important that you not listen to so many fads; you really need to find what works for you, EJ told Page Six in September 2015. EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. AboutPressCopyrightContact. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations earlier this month, and now, according to reports, it's because management sent emails criticizing . He appeared on CNNs This Is Life in 2018 and opened up about his identity. 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. How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? He did have a fashion blog, but it no longer exists. Magic was diagnosed with HIV 45 days after Cookie and Magic married, and their lives were permanently transformed. Since Dec. 2018, he's been the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. The year was 2010, and scarves were in. I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. Magic Johnson son EJ talks coming out to his father - Yahoo! Johnson, 37, and his wife of 13 years, Chastity, were . And we love him. Since nobody in the Johnson family had ever addressed EJ's sexual preference at that time, TMZ published the photo like it was a scoop. All Rights Reserved. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for GLAAD). "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. The next day, he apologized to his son as he emotionally told him they would get through this. Heavy.com's Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson details 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know about EJ Johnson, son of NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson. xhr.send(payload); "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. As well as drugs to help manage HIV we now have drugs such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, that can prevent transmission in the first place. Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Jennifer Lopez, Magic Johnsons Son Rump Shake in San Tropez https://t.co/ZAaXbYEnks pic.twitter.com/djPolv14Wz, ? "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". 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. He has the support of his family including his father, Magic Johnson. } ); (Image credit: Focus On Sport / Contributor via Getty Images), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021, How mental health affects physical health, Ancient Roman 'spike defenses' made famous by Julius Caesar found in Germany, Watch footage of 1,000 baleen whales in record-breaking feeding frenzy in Antarctica, New Hubble footage shows exact moment a NASA spacecraft slammed into an asteroid 7 million miles from Earth, Cosmic rays reveal 'hidden' 30-foot-long corridor in Egypt's Great Pyramid, Upside-down anglerfish and other alien oddities spotted in one of the world's deepest trenches, Lab-grown minibrains will be used as 'biological hardware' to create new biocomputers, scientists propose, Insect that flings pee with a butt catapult is 1st known example of 'superpropulsion' in nature, Unknown lineage of ice age Europeans discovered in genetic study, Otherworldly 'fairy lantern' plant, presumed extinct, emerges from forest floor in Japan, The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universe, Subscribe today and save an extra 5% with checkout code 'LOVE5', Engaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviews, Issues delivered straight to your door or device, "Magic Johnsons Career Ended by HIV-Positive Test" by Mark Heisler, "Facts About HIV: Life Expectancy and Long-Term Outlook", "New HIV Diagnoses and People with Diagnosed HIV in the US and Dependent Areas by Area of Residence, 2019", "Magic Johnson: the NBA superstar who smashed HIV stigma then built a huge fortune" by Oliver Laughland, "HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Costs in the United States, 2012-2018". The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. Youve got to support your child. And that trumped everything," Cookie Johnson said. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? During the conversation, EJ, who came out as gay in . An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. EJ Johnson was one of the stars of the reality series Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, but he's probably best known for being the son of basketball superstar Magi. "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. 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 Apologized to His Son EJ Johnson After EJ - Sportscasting 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. "Very European," says EJ Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson, as he recalls when he came out as gay to his father. Michael Johnson, son of Ernie Johnson, dies at 33 | Sporting News And I will," Johnson wrote. 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.. (The series was canceled after the first season. Johnson was pivotal in helping to lessen that stigma, as he not only managed to find a way forward and live with the disease, but also returned to playing basketball. Because there are so many people who try to discriminate against them, so they need you to support them. As it turns out, he would be one of the foremost voices in educating the public, including the notion that heterosexuals could contract the disease. 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. Magic Johnson quickly issued a statement, saying, "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. Winning Time: Where is Magic Johnson's Wife Cookie Today? When the NBA star first learned that EJ was gay, Magic expressed that this wasnt what he wanted for his son. The Hall of Fame point guard also insisted he would become a spokesman for HIV. The first enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, turns the virus' genetic instructions encoded in a single RNA strand into double-stranded DNA. EJ went on to say, "Now, since everybody's talking about Caitlyn Jenner and being transgender, people are so quick to say, 'Oh, just because you're dressing like that means that you're going to transition to become a woman.'". To these days, the whole family supports EJ in every way, as the close and lovely family they all are. At the time, EJ was still a student at New York University. 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. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV.'". Earlier this year, Magic and Cookie Johnson's 20-year-old son, EJ, caused a stir when TMZ videotaped him walking down Sunset Boulevard holding hands with a male friend. But then, I moved to New York to go to college and when he came back to visit, he picked me up for dinner and he hugged me so hard, he almost broke my back, and then at that point, I was like, 'We're gonna be okay.' 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. 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. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. He is an openly gay man who champions the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. Johnson wanted to bring Starbucks to the inner city, and he had to convince Schultz that his coffee shops would prosper there. He revealed on the season finale of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" that he'd lost about 180 pounds since the procedure. Former New York Yankees All Star Alex Rodriguez, CBS This Mornings Gayle King, NBA on TNTs Kenny The Jet Smith, ESPN First Takes Stephen A. Smith, NBA Hall of Famer and Detroit Pistons point guard Isiah Thomas and former New York Knicks coach, Mike Woodson were some of the notables in attendance at the party. ", A few years later, EJ finally put the public speculation to rest. Magic posts about his wife and kids often on social media. 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. EJ said, I like myself the way that I am. ': What Happened to the Stars of the Iconic Series through the Years, Dwyane Wade's Trans Daughter Knew Her Gender Identity at 3 & Revealed Her Boyfriend at 14 Inside Zaya's Life, Millionaire's Son Kicks Wife and Baby Out into the Cold, Loses His Inheritance the Next Day Story of the Day, Twins Send Dad to Nursing Home, Learn He Left Inheritance to Janitor Who Is Their Carbon Copy Story of the Day. Truth about Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas is that even friendship can who hasnt thought about it.. That pretty much says all we really need to know. ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. But being a fashion icon on the making has not to stop EJ from being a loving family guy with his parents and siblings. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Cheryl and their family during this difficult time.. Both she and her . But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. He shared that it was his mother who taught him a lot about brands like Chanel and Versace. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. New Orleans rapper Awood 'Mr. Magic' Johnson has died 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. "I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. Magic Johnson - Wikipedia According to Celebrity Net Worth, EJ Johnson has an estimated $5 million net worth. She was 26 years old when she was found dead above the Major Deegan Expressway. In scientific terms, this mode of replication classifies HIV as a retrovirus, hence "antiretroviral" drugs. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. EJ put out a statement reading, Im going to make this clear to everyone there will be no mourning post because Im not going to reduce a 25yr friendship to 1 Instagram post. 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. In the photos, he is elegantly posing next to a pool wearing a blue mini-dress that fits him just right. Why Magic Johnson's Wife Threatened To Leave Him Despite Sticking By Twenty-five years ago today, Magic Johnson announced he had HIV Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. "I've always loved being in front of people, being on stage and performing. After protests from his fellow players, he retired again for four years, but returned in 1996, at age 36, to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time. Magic Johnson On Gay Son EJ: 'I Was Just Waiting On Him To Tell Me