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. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for GLAAD). ", "It's a totally new mindset," EJ told Page Sixthat September. 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. How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? However, Magic revealed in that press conference that his biggest fan was less than thrilled. Upon infection with HIV, a person's immune system kills off nearly all of the virus and infected cells. 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. 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. She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. The star initially came out to his mother when he was a teenager. #EJNYC premieres tomorrow night at 11 only on E! Magic posts about his wife and kids often on social media. HIV and AIDS are not the only conditions we're still looking to cure. Magic Johnson on Learning to Accept His Gay Son EJ: 'He - Variety The fact that the gay man is the son of legendary NBA player, Magic Johnson . Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. It is a day in history when people too young to remember will inevitably ask their elders why Magic Johnson retired. Because he was so proud. "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.". As well as drugs to help manage HIV we now have drugs such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, that can prevent transmission in the first place. Johnsons friends and rivals all embraced him on the floor, as if the barriers initially created by the disease had been totally wiped away. And that trumped everything," Cookie Johnson said. Magic Johnson On Gay Son EJ: 'I Was Just Waiting On Him To Tell Me 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. 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! Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. "I've always loved being in front of people, being on stage and performing. EJ Johnson was born to his famous parents on June 4, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California. "They Call Me Magic" offers a rare glimpse into the incredible real-life story of Johnson, who left his mark on history through his work both on and off the court and continues to impact our culture today. 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. 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. Magic Johnson's net worth is currently estimated to be about $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. who hasnt thought about it.. I love everything about it." EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. Magic Johnson's Oldest Son Andre Worked for His Company & Co-hosts a That pretty much says all we really need to know. Who is Magic Johnson's Youngest Son EJ Johnson? - Parade: Entertainment } ); 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. Milan is currently in a relationship withtrans reality star and beauty influencer Lauryn England. ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! 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. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. Magic Johnson has three children. 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. ", Regardless, EJ admits his loved ones' support helped ground him. His full name is Earvin Johnson III, but he goes by EJ professionally. I dont feel the need to transition. In a 2022 interview with Variety, EJ spoke about how his father initially struggled to accept his identity. '", "Why Language Matters: Facing HIV Stigma in Our Own Words". EJ, 30, came out. Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! But while Jordan and the Bulls began the year healthy and optimistic, the Los Angeles Lakerswho were the Western Conference representatives in the 1991 NBA Finalswere about to be blindsided. pic.twitter.com/JFTbV0U9YZ. He appeared on CNNs This Is Life in 2018 and opened up about his identity. "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? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. COMING OUT . 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. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. 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). "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". According to a 2021 profile of Magic, his mother, a devout Christian, felt the nickname was "blasphemous.". Cookie said, Look in the mirror. I said, Youre right. Because Im proud of who I am. HIV spreads by hijacking a subset of white blood cells called CD4 cells or T cells, which are the body's first line of defense against foreign invaders, and using the cells' DNA to make copies of itself or replicate; in this process, these T cells get destroyed, according to Healthline (opens in new tab). He previously served as the Executive Vice President of his dads company, Magic Johnson Enterprises. Johnson came out as gay to his family at the age of 17 and came out publicly in 2013 after a report by TMZ published pictures of him holding hands with a male friend. However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. 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. The origins of Magic Johnson's nickname date back well before Winning Time episode 1's story, as it began when he was in high school. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . We lost michael johnson today and were crushed. The story of how the Lakers won a title in his first season and went on to win many more over the next decade is chronicled in HBO's latest series, 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.' During a period when Magic and Cookie had broken up, he dated a woman named Melissa Mitchell, with whom he had a son, Andre, on Feb. 20, 1981. It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' Michael Jordan Once Rejected an Epic $1 Million 1-on-1 Matchup Against Magic Johnson. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. When the NBA star first learned that EJ was gay, Magic expressed that this wasnt what he wanted for his son. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? All Rights Reserved. xhr.send(payload); "Thank you for teaching us how to be people of action, not words, and to always be a blessing to those around you," Andre wrote in the caption. In response to the headlines, Magic said, Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. 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. Updated The Rolling Stones frontman has a huge family. 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. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. 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. Magic does have a relationship with his son EJ. EJ Johnson has long thought about taking a stab at the fashion industry. Researchers have developed a number of powerful drugs to help people like Johnson block and contain the virus. By Barbara Pavone / Updated: Aug. 3, 2021 7:23 pm EDT. But 30 years later, the NBA legend is still pursuing his passions, with Cookie by his side. Like her mom and brother EJ, Elisa is interested in fashion, and launched her own sunglass line in 2021. Magic, 63, says his son, whom he shares with his wife Cookie Johnson, "is so beloved all over the world" as a television personality and as an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. Magic Johnsonis one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. Twenty-five years ago today, Magic Johnson announced he had HIV Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. Therapists say it can damage your connection. Johnson was pivotal in helping to lessen that stigma, as he not only managed to find a way forward and live with the disease, but also returned to playing basketball. 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. That doesn't mean it was always easy, however. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, spoke about what it was like coming out as gay to his father. Interestingly enough, EJ spilled all the inside tea when he appeared on Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk. Magic Johnson dominated the court as one of professional basketball's best players for 13 years. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. EJs mom said that her husband was worried about his son living his life in a world that would not understand him. "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. "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. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. Johnson confessed in an interview: I think it's all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." "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. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. The series lasted just six episodes. The reality series followed the eponymous star, sister Elisa Johnson, and their high-class crew living their best lives in the Big Apple. I also said I was going to beat the disease. Currently, EJ is reportedly single. When he was younger, he would love to play with dolls. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZ essentially outed him, per TheThings. You can also learn about some of the cancers we're still battling and why they're so challenging. Michael Johnson, son of Ernie Johnson, dies at 33 | Sporting News EJ put out a statement reading, Im going to make this clear to everyone there will be no mourning post because Im not going to reduce a 25yr friendship to 1 Instagram post. How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? | Live Science During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic. Magic Johnson's Change Of Heart: From Homophobia To Pride The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. 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. Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations earlier this month, and now, according to reports, it's because management sent emails criticizing . He is hardly known by his birth name, Earvin Johnson III. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. Andre also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. Maybe you've seen him on his E! That was a very, very hard thing for me. It cant be wrong. To recap: during a bizarre interviewin 2014 with Anderson Cooper, Sterling the former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers who was banned from the NBA for life for making racist remarks claimed that Magic Johnson "should be ashamed of himself" for contracting HIV. In 2013, EJ was outed by TMZ. "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.".