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. Magic Johnson Bio: Children, Wife, Height, Net Worth When the former professional basketball player was diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (opens in new tab) in 1991, a lack of understanding and stigmatization surrounding the virus (opens in new tab) led to questions being raised over his future life prospects. But I don't feel incomplete in that way. 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.. "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). According to E! Magic Johnson explains his abrupt resignation from Lakers Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Go do my, Magic Johnson Discusses His Son's Coming Out. Magic often posts about his wife and kids on social media, but heres a closer look at his relationship with EJ, and how he has been the catalyst that changed Magic for the better. Here [in the United States] I do not experience that much racism, I feel like that's probably more prevalent before I was born.". A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. Although Johnson reacted at first, he talked to his son the next day and at that moment, they knew everything was going to be fine between them. The gender-fluid fashionista is always flaunting his amazing wardrobe. 2023 Cable News Network. A subset of integrated HIV provirus remains transcriptionally silent, producing neither viral proteins nor viral progeny, until reactivation by various physiologic stimuli. Andre, EJ, and Elisa have taken on very different career paths. 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. What Magic Johnson Did After Son EJ Came Out To Him Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson has become a living testament to advances in medicine that have turned human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from a death sentence into something that can be managed and lived with. For more entertainment and celebrity news sent to you directly, sign up for our daily newsletter. But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. When asked about the fashion industry's embrace of more androgynous styles and expression, EJ said, "I don't think the fashion world has made any type of major huge strides, where we need to start commending anybody yet. She said, That was a very hard thing for me. As of this writing in 2022, EJ has not launched his own fashion line, but we're certainly keeping an eye out for it. Currently, EJ is reportedly single. Related:Meet Quincy Isaiah, the Michigan Man Playing Magic Johnson in HBO Maxs Winning Time. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. TMZ Sportspublished the last known paparazzi photo of the pair in 2017 and called Alcaraz Elisa's "quasi-boyfriend." And now, she is the owner of her own self-titled sunglasses company, Elisa Johnson. reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. I think its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. In 2013, EJ was outed by TMZ. During his career as an NBA player, Johnson's annual salary was around $24 million, an amount . Cookie Johnson, Magics wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. 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. Magic Johnson's Son EJ Flaunts Curves and Strong Legs in a - AmoMama EJ has appeared in multiple TV shows such as Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, EJNYC, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and most recently The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. 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. From the highlights from Magics career, but the evolution of Johnson as a person including his role as a husband and father. Magic Johnson's Parents Actually Hated His Nickname - Bustle I never really thought it was under investigation. 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. 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. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. "I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. Magic Johnson and Hydeia Broadbent Met 20 Years Ago During - NewsOne At the time, EJ was still a student at New York University. 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. As it turns out, he was planning on publicly revealing his sexuality anyway. 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. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. The series lasted just six episodes. As for Louis Vuitton using Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, in its women's line adsthe previous year, EJ claimed,"If you're going to do it, I think you should go with somebody who's actually doing it because they genuinely get it as opposed to somebody who just has a name and was doing it just to be out there." 01 Mar 2023 15:17:10 #teamthis, A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 18, 2016 at 2:44pm PDT. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get The girl who changed Magic Johnson | CNN 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. Besides recognizing himself as a gender-fluid person, he has also been known for enjoying his lavish way of living. is amazing, he added. Magic Johnson quickly issued a statement, saying, "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. He is now flexing his acting chops in With Love and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder revival. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. In 1995, the Johnson family adopted Elisa Johnson when she was a baby. "I said that because I had tested HIV-positive, I was retiring from the NBA. In addition to EJ, the Johnsons adopted Elisa Johnson when she was three days old in 1995. According to research and estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in new tab), as of 2019 about 1.18 million Americans have HIV, and 13 percent of them are undiagnosed. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. Legends profile: Magic Johnson | NBA.com Magic Johnson | Biography, Documentary, & Facts | Britannica Needless to say, basketball legends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson ceased being true friends a long time 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. His full name is Earvin Johnson III, but he goes by EJ professionally. In June, Andre posted a photo of his familystep mom Cookie includedat Gigi's sixth-grade graduation. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for GLAAD). When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. This guy we adopted from Romania in 1991 and diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy lived a miraculous life of 33 years, the TNT anchor said in an Instagram post that included a photo of Michael. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. 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). 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. Surprise! EJ Johnson Boyfriend Issue - Openly Gay Roots From Dad "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his son will continue to put the work in and have a positive relationship. Take on my day. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. PerBET, the show was "not completely ratchet with hair pulling and fighting," but let's be honest, it wasn't exactly "Masterpiece Theater," either. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. Interestingly enough, EJ spilled all the inside tea when he appeared on Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. "We love him and EJ is amazing, so you gotta support your child. 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". Magic & Cookie Johnson's Relationship Timeline Spans Over 40 Years - Bustle "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? Nowadays, EJ Johnson seems to be living his dreams. 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. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. Spencer Lieb is a HIV/AIDS research coordinator with The AIDS Institute. By Barbara Pavone / Updated: Aug. 3, 2021 7:23 pm EDT. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV.'". He is currently based in Bournemouth, UK. Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Magic Johnson recounts the ugly end of his Lakers presidency The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. He was like this when he was a baby, it cant be wrong. If one thing's for sure, it's that he's got all the makings of a star, but he's forging his own path away from his father's fame. "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. Who is Magic Johnson's Youngest Son EJ Johnson? - Parade: Entertainment In. There's [sic] so many factors. However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. EJ Johnson is a media personality and socialite best known as Magic Johnson's son. ESPN's Chris Fowler spoke over a video montage . Its given me a whole new view on life. 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. Walton was fired and the team eventually hired former Pacers and Magic coach Frank Vogel to . The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. Story highlights. At the time of Magic Johnson's diagnosis, there was a strong stigma around HIV and AIDS. Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. That was a very, very hard thing for me. EJ, 30, came out. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. As fashionable and fashion-forward as he is, Johnson does not have a fashion line. Why Magic Johnson's Wife Threatened To Leave Him Despite Sticking By While some of Johnsons Dream Team mateslike Charles Barkleysupported the idea of Johnson returning to the NBA, otherssuch as Utah Jazz forward Karl Maloneshowed outward concern (from the Nov. 1, 1992 edition of the New York Times): Look at this, scabs and cuts all over me, Malone, the Utah Jazz All-Star forward, said last Tuesday night in the visitors locker room at Madison Square Garden before a preseason game against the Knicks. 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.'". ", A few years later, EJ finally put the public speculation to rest. E.J. All Rights Reserved. His father took a while to come around to the news. 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. "I was just like, 'Well, do I want to transition? scientific studies and medical journals. They should probably start highlighting people who are doing it in the streets, as opposed to whatever celebrity they're putting in a skirt for five seconds just for publicity.". On this Nov. 7, legendary Lakers point guard Earvin Magic Johnson stunned the entire world when he announced that he had contracted the HIV virus, and would be retiring from NBA immediately. After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. "It's almost like they're attacking me for being me and so to that I can only say, 'Well, I can only be myself, so I don't know really what you want me to do,'" he said. "The surgery was definitely the best thing that ever happened to me," the star said. Thirty Years Later, Magic Johnson Is Still Doing Lifesaving Work The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. The Drugs, Sex, and Swagger of the 1980s Lakers--Plus How They'd - GQ I dont feel the need to transition. An insider told ET,"The cast was upset because they wanted at least one more season to give closure to their storylines," but it sounds like EJ was ready to be done with all things E! "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); Magic Johnson Net Worth 2022, Salary & Endorsements - Sportskeeda Sure, Johnsons Twitter account has become a practical parody because of the Maddenesque analysis he provides, but his genuine care for the players and the game in general is still inherently clear. Would love your thoughts, please comment. 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. He pressed a finger to a small, pinkish hole on his thigh that was developing into a scab. He also questioned if EJ was sure he knew what he was saying. After Magic Johnson's scuffle with Ron Boone in Episode 4 of 'Winning Time', you might be wondering what happened in the Lakers' locker room. EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. In 2015, EJ lost over 100 pounds and had surgery to remove excess weight. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. Did you encounter any technical issues? He has the support of his family including his father, Magic Johnson. Magic Johnson has been living with HIV for nearly 0 years and thanks to advances in medical science the disease is now more manageable than it was when he first revealed his diagnosis. EJs mom said that her husband was worried about his son living his life in a world that would not understand him. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. "I walk in the office and he started talking about the test," Johnson says. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! During the conversation, EJ, who came out as gay in . This latency of HIV allows some infected cells to escape immune detection and elimination, and these latently infected cells constitute the viral reservoir," wrote Nathan W. Cummins, MD and Andrew D. Badley, MD for Mayo Clinic Proceedings (opens in new tab) in 2015.