Johnson, 37, and his wife of 13 years, Chastity, were . It was kind of like an 'aha moment,' the realization that people like that still exist," EJ told The Daily Beastthat same year, adding, "He's a walking joke. Were getting a closer look into the life and career of NBA legend Magic Johnson with They Call Me Magic streaming on Apple TV+. "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.". In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. We are grieving and at the same time so grateful for having been witnesses to a miraculous 33 years with michael. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? By Barbara Pavone / Updated: Aug. 3, 2021 7:23 pm EDT. Randy Chrisley Is Todd Chrisley's Brother Who Was Diagnosed with Cancer in 2014, Johnny Depp's Weight Gain & Changes in Appearance over the Years, 'Whos the Boss? 2. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, sports, gaming and more with his friend Mike Dupree. "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. Admit it, these tracks are so good, you actually thought they were originals. } ); We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. What You Don't Know About Magic Johnson's Son EJ, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair, reality series followed the eponymous star, Louis Vuitton using Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, in its women's line ads. His approach acted as a "public-health catalyst," wrote Alexander Cardazzi, Joshua C. Martin, and Zachary Rodriguez in their 2021 paper "Information Avoidance and Celebrity Exposure: The Effect of "Magic" Johnson on AIDS Diagnoses and Mortality in the U.S. (opens in new tab)" for West Virginia University, as they attempted to quantify the impact his announcement in 1991 had on heterosexual men getting tested for HIV. We're very proud of him." "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". What's the real deal with EJ Johnson? Take on my day. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. Researchers continue to study long-term nonprogressors to get insights on HIV resistance that could help the 37.7 million people battling the virus, the current estimate of UNAIDS according to HIV.gov (opens in new tab). I Image: Getty Images. 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. 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'm very happy with myself," he said during an appearance on E! But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. 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. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. I'm just very comfortable in my own skin. 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." Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. 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. When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! 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. Andre, EJ, and Elisa have taken on very different career paths. Early Childhood and Education. He was given the nickname by a sports writer who had just seen the 15-year-old prepster notch 36 points, 16 rebounds. And I will," Johnson wrote. Apple today unveiled the teaser trailer for "They Call Me Magic," premiering April 22 on Apple TV+. Besides recognizing himself as a gender-fluid person, he has also been known for enjoying his lavish way of living. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. https://t.co/RQM9OCSd77. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV.'". The U.S. would go on to capture the gold medal in overwhelming fashion, and Magics beaming smile might otherwise have been a symbol of his triumph. First of all, the celebrity thing who are you here for, are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?, In August 2018, EJ lost his best friend, Lyric McHenry, to a drug overdose. "It wasn't how he got it that was important to me. When TMZ featured EJ Johnsons boyfriend, some were surprised to learn that he is gay. Put on my outfit. Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. The son of an autoworker, Johnson earned his nickname "Magic" in high school for his creative and entertaining ballhandling. "This guy we adopted from Romania in 1991 and diagnosed with. EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. 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. As it turns out, he was planning on publicly revealing his sexuality anyway. 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. I dont feel the need to transition. All Rights Reserved. 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. spinoff, EJNYC, which followed his life as he moved to New York City. 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. For more entertainment and celebrity news sent to you directly, sign up for our daily newsletter. Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. 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 . 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. Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. Am I gonna die? 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. Andre doesn't post much about his professional life online, but according to what appears to be his LinkedIn page, he was the vice president of his dad's investment company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, from 2012 to 2014. E.J. The NBA regular season had just started, with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looking to defend their championship. 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. The actor's personal life has made headlines 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. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnson's kids total to two. According to Celebrity Net Worth, EJ Johnson has an estimated $5 million net worth. 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. 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. 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. 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. The star revealed he was "almost 100 percent positive" that a transition was out of the cards. Magic added that he just needed more time. I like my body.. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. Cookie Johnson, Magic's wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. Hes a businessman and podcaster. It was sad. 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. EJ's mom said that her husband was worried about his son living . According to E! In June, Andre posted a photo of his familystep mom Cookie includedat Gigi's sixth-grade graduation. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". EJs mom said that her husband was worried about his son living his life in a world that would not understand him. 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. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. I could really feel the love. Cookie Johnson was worried about Magic, but supportive. 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.". In 2013, TMZ published a story with photos of EJ holding hands with his then-boyfriend. He pressed a finger to a small, pinkish hole on his thigh that was developing into a scab. 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. Rather than deny the existence of his boyfriend, the then-20-year-old star rolled with the punches. EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. 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. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. He was supported by his family in his decision to come out publicly. His father took a while to come around to the news. 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. Because he was so proud. How and When Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); News and hosting other shows. Sometimes it's hard being in the middle, kind of in the gray area in my own lane." This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. 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. He shared that it was his mother who taught him a lot about brands like Chanel and Versace. EJ was a guest host on Fashion Police and has filledin on E! I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. 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.'". EJ Johnson has long thought about taking a stab at the fashion industry. News in 2018 that he had no plans to transition. He revealed on the season finale of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" that he'd lost about 180 pounds since the procedure. 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". Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. section: | slug: magic-johnson-opens-up-on-living-with-hiv-30-years-after-his-diagnosis | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | In response to the headlines, Magic said, Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. Presenting your official soundtrack to falling (or staying) in love. Magic's oldest son, Andre, was born in 1981, two years after his father first joined the NBA. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. The HIV-AIDS epidemic began in earnest in the 1980s, but there was still very little knowledge as to how the disease was contracted or what it meant in terms of contagiousness and long-term impact. This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. Im very happy with myself. But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. Go do my, Magic Johnson Discusses His Son's Coming Out. Despite indicating the doctors told him there was no risk of transmission, Johnsons return during the 1992 preseason was frowned upon. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. I feel like this is the body I'm supposed to be in. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. "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. xhr.send(payload); "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. When did Magic Johnson have his son? Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. Surprisingly, Johnson has seen great success personally and professionally, in part by reflecting on the words of a childhood friend, Reggie Chastine, who died while they were in high school. He was cast in the first season of E! EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. "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? From the highlights from Magics career, but the evolution of Johnson as a person including his role as a husband and father. 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. 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. "Very European," says EJ Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson, as he recalls when he came out as gay to his father. Discovery Company. Magic Johnson's net worth is currently estimated to be about $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Public and private medical insurance, as well as various assistance programs, make the medicines more affordable and available to the vast majority of patients in the United States and other parts of the world. In 2013, EJ was outed by TMZ. 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. "I always had dreams and plans of doing my own thing and creating my own image, so it came a little sooner than I thought it would but this is still something I knew I would be going through and would have to experience.". Johnson was first called "Magic" when he was a star at Everett High School. 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.