"I walk in the office and he started talking about the test," Johnson says. The reality series followed the eponymous star, sister Elisa Johnson, and their high-class crew living their best lives in the Big Apple. 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. Sorry tabloids: EJ is just busy being himself. The star had some questions of his own especially surrounding Caitlyn Jenner's abovementioned Vanity Fair cover. Therapists say it can damage your connection. Johnson, 37, and his wife of 13 years, Chastity, were . Would love your thoughts, please comment. You need to get creative.". EJ told Jada Pinkett Smith in an April 2019 episode of Red Table Talk that dating was hard because of his famous father. I feel like this is the body that Im supposed to be in, he said in a 2019 interview. 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 2015, EJ lost over 100 pounds and had surgery to remove excess weight. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. That doesn't mean it was always easy, however. "You mean he just let his son in law run everything Dad?" "Yes because he was Jewish." "Are Jews magic Dad?" "Sure are," I say. RELATED:See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. Upon infection with HIV, a person's immune system kills off nearly all of the virus and infected cells. Upon graduation, he worked in A&R for five years at Elektra Entertainment with artists like Jay Z, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani. 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. The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. Since EJ came out in 2013 he has set his own path in the transgender pop-culture. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.". Cookie revealed that she noticed her son was different since he was a little boy, however, she thought he would grow out of it, but it happened the opposite. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Speculation about the couples possible relationship began to circulate after they were spotted having lunch together. 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. He was cast in the first season of E! "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". Originally published on Live Science on 04 March 2022 and updated on 24 August 2022. ", EJ also gave advice to closeted young people who might be looking to his lifestyle as a road map for their own. Yet through all the ups and downs, he remains the same bubbly person he has always been. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . "I thought about it, for sure," he said (via Us Weekly). 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. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. And he got it from me, Magic told Varietyin April 2022. Miller is an English model . Magic Johnson's remarkable life was thrown into question after he was diagnosed with HIV. 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. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. Magic Johnson has remained a central part of the Lakers franchise in his life since, serving as a coach and executive, as well as a player when he came out of retirement for the 1996 season. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. pic.twitter.com/JFTbV0U9YZ. RELATED:See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. What's the real deal with EJ Johnson? 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. He revealed on the season finale of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" that he'd lost about 180 pounds since the procedure. "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. "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. 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. ", Elisa ultimately decided not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He previously served as the Executive Vice President of his dads company, Magic Johnson Enterprises. He is known for wearing both men's and womens clothing and putting his own spin on it. Immediately after learning of the talented 63-year-old basketball player's passing, hundreds of fans began posting condolence notes on the Facebook page. #EJNYC premieres tomorrow night at 11 only on E! At the time of Magic Johnson's diagnosis, there was a strong stigma around HIV and AIDS. When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! 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. 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. When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. 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. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. The singer's two younger daughters are his little lookalikes. 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. show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, which aired from 2014 to 2016. 12:46 pm ET, Bucks vs. 76ers odds, picks, computer sims, Morant to miss 'at least' two games after IG post, NBA DFS picks, lineups, advice, March 4 strategy, Grizzlies' Clarke out for season with Achilles injury, Raptors vs. Wizards odds, picks, computer sims, Streaking Warriors must overcome one major roadblock, Magic Johnson opens up on 30 years with HIV, Window for Durant, Suns is open -- until it's not, Morant to miss two games after video with gun, Nuggets beat Grizz, likely lock up West's top spot, Randle's game-winner runs Knicks' win streak to eight, Celtics booed off floor after blowing 28-point lead. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. 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.". (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". In the 1988 NBA Finals between the Pistons and the Lakers, Thomas and Johnson. "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'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. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. HIV is now considered a chronic health condition that can be managed with the right drugs and a healthy lifestyle. 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 actually helped me get there. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? 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 . In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. EJs mom said that her husband was worried about his son living his life in a world that would not understand him. Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. All Rights Reserved. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. 2:38 PM EDT, Sat October 30, 2021. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); 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. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Brown championship trophy after winning the NBA title in 1980 with the Los Angeles Lakers. ': 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. You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. In 2013, TMZ published a story with photos of EJ holding hands with his then-boyfriend. He also questioned if EJ was sure he knew what he was saying. EJ launched a now-defunctfashion blog in 2014. 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. However, Magic revealed in that press conference that his biggest fan was less than thrilled. ", 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. Related: Winning Time: Why Magic Johnson Is At The Doctor's In 1991 & What Happened. In 1992, he returned to play in the All-Star Game, not without some opposition, and later that year played on America's "Dream Team" in the. 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. He is a television personality, socialite and actor. For more entertainment and celebrity news sent to you directly, sign up for our daily newsletter. It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' That pretty much says all we really need to know. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his son will continue to put the work in and have a positive relationship. Johnson attended New York University where he studied hospitality with a focus on event planning and design, according to various different profiles. 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. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. } ); However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. EJ Johnson was born on June 4, 1992. 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. Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot in 1991, one year before the Los Angeles Lakers player retired. The fact that the gay man is the son of legendary NBA player, Magic Johnson . Cookie Johnson was worried about Magic, but supportive. When the NBA star first learned that EJ was gay, Magic expressed that this wasnt what he wanted for his son. Theres so many factors. Magic recalls their first meeting some 20 years ago as a moment that further focused his commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness : "Hydeia means the world to me," Johnson said. 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. In honor of Father's Day last year, he posted a photo of Magic, Cookie, Gigi, and Andre, along with a heartfelt tribute. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! 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. Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. "I'm completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle." But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. From the highlights from Magics career, but the evolution of Johnson as a person including his role as a husband and father. To these days, the whole family supports EJ in every way, as the close and lovely family they all are. appreciated. Magic's oldest son, Andre, was born in 1981, two years after his father first joined the NBA. Spencer Lieb is a HIV/AIDS research coordinator with The AIDS Institute. One thing, of course, was very clear: there had been infidelity on Johnsons part. Magic was diagnosed with HIV 45 days after Cookie and Magic married, and their lives were permanently transformed. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Johnson began to speak out and he has never retreated. 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. if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { "And he just could not stand it. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. He pressed a finger to a small, pinkish hole on his thigh that was developing into a scab. His son EJ was born shortly, making headlines before he was even born. After four seasons, he'd also appeared on "Fashion Police" and worked as a red-carpet special correspondent, and the network gave EJ his own spin-off called "EJNYC" in 2016. I never really thought it was under investigation. 2022 Galvanized Media. He has a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Leeds. 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. It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. It happened," he said (via theDaily Mail). In 2013, EJ was outed by TMZ. Interestingly enough, EJ spilled all the inside tea when he appeared on Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk. 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. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. What Happened To Magic Johnson's Son Johnson's son, EJ III, born Earvin Johnson III was born on June 4th 1992 in Beverly Hills, California. Yet it was his charisma, especially at his precocious age, that floored. The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of [] AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.. Maybe you've heard about him on the internet or in a tabloid headline. "The key moment was when Cookie took the test and the results came back that her and the baby was fine [sic]," the retired NBA star told Gayle King. 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. 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. 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 key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. 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. Cookie Johnson, Magic's wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. 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 . "I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do," he said on "Gwissues." BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: (L-R) EJ Johnson and Lea Michele speak onstage during the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 28, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Image credit: YakubovAlim via Getty Images). I like my body.. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { 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 retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 after revealing that he had tested positive for. It is precisely these kinds of drugs that have helped Magic Johnson manage the disease and have made HIV a chronic health condition rather than a fatal disease. In a 2022 interview with Variety, EJ spoke about how his father initially struggled to accept his identity. 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). In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. ", "It's a totally new mindset," EJ told Page Sixthat September. I Image: Getty Images. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. "It was hard because I loved her so much and I hated to hurt her," Magic Johnson said. COMING OUT . "I always wanted to come into the spotlight," EJ told the YouTube talk show "Gwissues" shortly after (via ESPN). Magic Johnson's net worth is currently estimated to be about $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Is this something that I would do?' But 30 years later, the NBA legend is still pursuing his passions, with Cookie by his side. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 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.'". During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic. Magic Johnson quickly issued a statement, saying, "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. In 1977, he met Earlitha . These and other HIV-fighting drugs are "hideously expensive," said Lieb. According to E! 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. ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! 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.' According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. Johnson, now 60, is currently the CEO and the founder of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), an investment conglomerate valued at an estimated $1 billion dollars, according to its website. In response to the headlines, Magic said, Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. 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. An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. 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. "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. "Very European," says EJ Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson, as he recalls when he came out as gay to his father. Presenting your official soundtrack to falling (or staying) in love. His clothing showed more skin after he dropped more than 100 pounds after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in 2014. 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. 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. He is an openly gay man who champions the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. (The series was canceled after the first 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. He has six siblings and three half-siblings, all of whose names are unknown. Magic Johnson was on hand to celebrate his son EJ Johnson's milestone birthday over the weekend. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. Story highlights. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, spoke about what it was like coming out as gay to his father. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); We lost michael johnson today and were crushed. Though his first reaction may not have been perfect, he definitely seems to be in a better place now. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. The rising reality star is the son of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson. However, it was not a shock to his parents. section: | slug: magic-johnson-opens-up-on-living-with-hiv-30-years-after-his-diagnosis | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and our family. "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. Take on my day. I feel like this is the body Im supposed to be in. E.J. Watch! The actor's personal life has made headlines as well. His style is androgynous, from ankle boots, sheer tops, diamond chokers, and furs to feminine with dresses with thigh-high slits. Currently, EJ is reportedly single. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. 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. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". News, The "#RichKids of Beverly Hills" alum opens up about the type of men he's attracted to, his father Magic Johnson and his late friend Lyric McHenry. 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. 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. Find out why exercise can be important to mental health too. "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? News' "Just the Sip" in 2019 (via People). In 2017, rumors began to circulate about a possible romantic relationship between EJ and Christopher Milan, a former Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star. This was the first time he was out in public as gay. 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's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. Magic Johnson has three children. 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.