After the discussion, Magics wife made sure to let him know that his reaction wasnt OK. Magic admitted to blurting out the first thing that came to his mind. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. You can also learn about some of the cancers we're still battling and why they're so challenging. When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. 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. 2023 Cable News Network. Related:Meet Quincy Isaiah, the Michigan Man Playing Magic Johnson in HBO Maxs Winning Time. Magic had been married to his wife, Cookie, not more than two months before he made his announcement, and questions surrounded Johnsons sexuality as a result. sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. We're very proud of him." Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. Continue to change and educate the world! 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. Andre Johnson is a businessman, podcaster, and proud father of two. 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. Sometimes it's hard being in the middle, kind of in the gray area in my own lane." Michael Johnson, the son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, has died, his father announced Friday night. "I love you and enjoy your day to rest.". 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). Since his fathers relationship with HIV, as a spokesperson and being positive himself, EJ was introduced to gay culture from a very early age, so he has longtime been related to the activism and discrimination that surrounds it. These and other HIV-fighting drugs are "hideously expensive," said Lieb. 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. As I grew older, as my wife talked to me, I couldnt [judge EJ]. Although the unfortunate response to Johnsons condition will forever be somewhat of a black mark on the NBAgranted, HIV was a mostly unknown diseaseit is interesting to look back at some of the phrases and words Johnson used during his first retirement press conference in 1991. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, spoke about what it was like coming out as gay to his father. His father took a while to come around to the news. Ive never done anything on television that is this honest and real, he shared in an Instagram post promoting the segment. 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. EJs mom said that her husband was worried about his son living his life in a world that would not understand him. Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. But 30 years later, the NBA legend is still pursuing his passions, with Cookie by his side. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Miller is an English model . I also said I was going to beat the disease. She was 26 years old when she was found dead above the Major Deegan Expressway. While Johnson can now attest to 30 years of life after being diagnosed with HIV, his journey living with the disease has been far from easy. The star revealed he was "almost 100 percent positive" that a transition was out of the cards. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. I never really thought it was under investigation. He pressed a finger to a small, pinkish hole on his thigh that was developing into a scab. "We love him and EJ is amazing, so you gotta support your child. It happened," he said (via theDaily Mail). Magic Johnsonis one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. 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. 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. ': 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. There's [sic] so many factors. 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 fact, it was made out of the same material, and the styling was near-identical. is amazing, he added. When the NBA star first learned that EJ was gay, Magic expressed that this wasnt what he wanted for his son. And I will," Johnson wrote. But I don't feel incomplete in that way. 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 appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". 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.. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much She's following in her mother's footsteps in more ways than one. It's just business as usual and that business is his family. "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. "I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do," he said on "Gwissues." 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. But being a fashion icon on the making has not to stop EJ from being a loving family guy with his parents and siblings. Were getting a closer look into the life and career of NBA legend Magic Johnson with They Call Me Magic streaming on Apple TV+. And he got it from me, Magic told Varietyin April 2022. Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. The singer's two younger daughters are his little lookalikes. COMING OUT . Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. He has previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. As of this writing in 2022, EJ has not launched his own fashion line, but we're certainly keeping an eye out for it. Also joining them were Cookie's mom, sister, and their nephew. AboutPressCopyrightContact. "I've always loved being in front of people, being on stage and performing. "I always say that if you feel like you're not in the right body, then by all means get to where you want to be. I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { 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. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. 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. 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. By knowing and enjoying his privileged life, he has been part of Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, for four seasons, and then on his own spinoff called EJNYC, which lasted only 6 episodes. 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. News and hosting other shows. Nov 6, 2021. Because there are so many people who try to discriminate against them, so they need you to support them. #EJNYC premieres tomorrow night at 11 only on E! "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". Are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?" According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. 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. But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. 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. EJ Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Transitioning | Just The Sip | E! Researchers have developed a number of powerful drugs to help people like Johnson block and contain the virus. "I feel like I wasn't cut out for it," she told SSENSE Magazine in April 2017. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. ESPN's Chris Fowler spoke over a video montage . Our deepest condolences are with Cheryl, Ernie and their family, friends and loved ones as we mourn with them, the statement read. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. He also takes great pride in his skills and talents as a make-up artist. EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. Magic Johnson dominated the court as one of professional basketball's best players for 13 years. Magic has three kids, but he and Cookie have two children together. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. 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). In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. Things got rocky after the socialite was outed in 2013 when TMZposted a video of him holding hands with his then-boyfriend. News' recap, EJ urged his sister to call it quits with Alcaraz, and it looks like she eventually heeded his advice. 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 . 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. "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 also said that I was going to become a spokesperson in the fight against the human immunodeficiency virus and an advocate for practicing safe sex by using condoms. EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. 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! We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder of progressive muscular weakness, which typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 2017, rumors began to circulate about a possible romantic relationship between EJ and Christopher Milan, a former Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star. Im very happy with myself. 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. EJ Johnson is a media personality and socialite best known as Magic Johnson's son. "I was just like, 'Well, do I want to transition? 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. "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. We're gonna be fine. xhr.send(payload); RELATED: See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star. Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. Here [in the United States] I do not experience that much racism, I feel like that's probably more prevalent before I was born.". 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 | According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. 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. 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. (Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) "It. "This guy we adopted from Romania in 1991 and diagnosed with. New York, HIV and AIDS are not the only conditions we're still looking to cure. 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. EJ Johnson has long thought about taking a stab at the fashion industry. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! His style is androgynous, from ankle boots, sheer tops, diamond chokers, and furs to feminine with dresses with thigh-high slits. When he spoke to The New York Times about the incident in 2017, he noted that TMZ reached out to his father for a comment on the photos of his son holding hands with another young man. It is not known if Johnson is among this "scarce breed," as Lieb called them, but more than likely "without medications, he'd be progressing.". Johnson wanted to bring Starbucks to the inner city, and he had to convince Schultz that his coffee shops would prosper there. Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. Today he is becoming a fashionista who is looking to give a stronger voice to the transgender community through his own experience. His full name is Earvin Johnson III, but he goes by EJ professionally. Both she and her . He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. 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. News' "Just the Sip" in 2019 (via People). Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. She was a part of her brother's EJNYC show in 2016, but Elisa, who is now 26, has said that she didn't exactly enjoy being on reality TV. From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. During the NBA icon's first visit to Ellen's show, he opened up about his son, and shared his advice for other parents. Originally published on Live Science on 04 March 2022 and updated on 24 August 2022. Story highlights. 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. 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. However, it was not a shock to his parents. Hes a businessman and podcaster. Jennifer Lopez, Magic Johnsons Son Rump Shake in San Tropez https://t.co/ZAaXbYEnks pic.twitter.com/djPolv14Wz, ? It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. In 1995, the Johnson family adopted Elisa Johnson when she was a baby. 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. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. After receiving criticism for not publicly mourning his friend on social media. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic Johnson discussed living with HIV three decades after he was initially diagnosed with the virus prior to the 1991-92 NBA season. 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. 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. Since EJ came out in 2013 he has set his own path in the transgender pop-culture. 1:59 Coming for b*tches 5:48 Unlikely friends 7:24 Magic Johnsons Son 9:48 The ho phase 11:06 Transitioning? After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.". 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. Yet it was his charisma, especially at his precocious age, that floored. Johnson was first called "Magic" when he was a star at Everett High School. How and When Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? 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. 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. Cookie said, Look in the mirror. I said, Youre right. Because Im proud of who I am. The first enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, turns the virus' genetic instructions encoded in a single RNA strand into double-stranded DNA. I could really feel the love. Magic was diagnosed with HIV 45 days after Cookie and Magic married, and their lives were permanently transformed. You have to be prepared for people to say certain things about you, and it just wasn't for me. Currently, EJ is reportedly single. During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. 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. 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. The star had some questions of his own especially surrounding Caitlyn Jenner's abovementioned Vanity Fair cover. On that autumn day, Johnson announced he had HIV. (The series was canceled after the first season. Magic Johnson was on hand to celebrate his son EJ Johnson's milestone birthday over the weekend. If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing Upon graduation, he worked in A&R for five years at Elektra Entertainment with artists like Jay Z, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani. Reality TV star E.J. It cant be wrong. 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.". Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. 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. 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. 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. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. However, a 2017 article in Urbo states that Johnson graduated from the prestigious school with a degree in event management and design with an interest in fashion, journalism, and media. When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. He has a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Leeds. You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. The actor's personal life has made headlines as well. Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. Yet even without modern drugs, in rare instances a person living with HIV can manage on their own to keep AIDS at bay. His clothing showed more skin after he dropped more than 100 pounds after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in 2014. ", 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. 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. 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. Like her mom and brother EJ, Elisa is interested in fashion, and launched her own sunglass line in 2021. "I really think it's important that you not listen to so many fads; you really need to find what works for you," the "EJNYC" star explained, going on to note, "But that doesn't mean you're done after that because you don't like what's hot. The name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. His brother, Andre Johnson has a different mother. He actually helped me get there. According to E! EJ Johnson has shown the world that he is an unstoppable force. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. 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. There was one drug then, now we have 30-something drugs.". "It helped people who were living with not just HIV and AIDS, but with any disease, that you can live on, you can be live a productive life.". RELATED:See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. Am I gonna die? Powered by. To see what Magic Johnson's three children are up to and to learn more about the tight-knit Johnson family, read on. 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.. And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . 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. 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. Here is what you need to know about EJ Johnson: A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 5, 2018 at 2:48pm PDT, EJs mother was two months pregnant with her son when Magic Johnson revealed to the world that he had tested positive for HIV in November 1991. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. "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). The series lasted just six episodes. Johnson Reveals 100+ Weight Loss on Good Day NY! They cant tell you that youre not at risk, and you cant tell me theres one guy in the N.B.A. Magic Johnson has three children. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. 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. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. Go do my, Magic Johnson Discusses His Son's Coming Out. The familys love, faith and commitment to one another will forever be an inspiration to us. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. Magic Johnson Investments He has had partnerships previously with Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, T.G.I Fridays, and AMC Theatres. 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.