How the Magic Johnson-led Lakers' Showtime dynasty nearly never happened How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? But I don't feel incomplete in that way. It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. To see what Magic Johnson's three children are up to and to learn more about the tight-knit Johnson family, read on. EJ, 30, came out. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. Since EJ came out in 2013 he has set his own path in the transgender pop-culture. TMZ Sportspublished the last known paparazzi photo of the pair in 2017 and called Alcaraz Elisa's "quasi-boyfriend." During the conversation, EJ, who came out as gay in . News in 2018 that he had no plans to transition. Its still the toughest thing Ive ever had to do in my life: @MagicJohnson says that he hated having to tell his wife about his HIV diagnosis. Our deepest condolences are with Cheryl, Ernie and their family, friends and loved ones as we mourn with them, the statement read. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-72659260-1&cid=3f04818d-0c52-47fe-9dbf-229a559738e6&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=8719156970272511032'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. It was seemingly just like any other in basketball circles. He retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 after revealing that he had tested positive for. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! AboutPressCopyrightContact. 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. The name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. He was the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games and is currently the Executive Vice President of Business Development at SimWin Sports. Magic Johnson: the NBA superstar who smashed HIV stigma - the Guardian Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. 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. 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. Magic Johnson and His Family Including Son EJ - Yahoo! In the past, EJ has consistently nabbed headlines for his unapologetic sense of fashion and candid attitude, whether he's speaking about the realities of LGBTQ+ adults or sparring with his sister, Elisa Johnson, on screen. However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. The star initially came out to his mother when he was a teenager. #teamthis, A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 18, 2016 at 2:44pm PDT. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder of progressive muscular weakness, which typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. (Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) "It. He is hardly known by his birth name, Earvin Johnson III. In honor of Father's Day last year, he posted a photo of Magic, Cookie, Gigi, and Andre, along with a heartfelt tribute. "I always wanted to come into the spotlight," EJ told the YouTube talk show "Gwissues" shortly after (via ESPN). Updated 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. I feel like this is the body I'm supposed to be in. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Dec 18, 2015 at 12:53pm PST. Magic Johnson's Oldest Son Andre Worked for His Company & Co-hosts a "I never thought that I'd look this good, and that is the God's honest truth. Magic Johnson opens up about his health, career 30 years after HIV The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti. 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. I never really thought it was under investigation. Unlike other former professional athletes' kids who have followed in their footsteps onto the court or field, Magic Johnson's children have all forged their own paths. 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. 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 was born to his famous parents on June 4, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California. Put on my outfit. In fact, it was made out of the same material, and the styling was near-identical. Story highlights. He revealed on the season finale of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" that he'd lost about 180 pounds since the procedure. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. The star had some questions of his own especially surrounding Caitlyn Jenner's abovementioned Vanity Fair cover. 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. Therapists say it can damage your connection. Magic Johnson Retirement: Why Did Magic Johnson Retire - ClutchPoints Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. Everything has gone right. We're very proud of him." He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. 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. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. RELATED:See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star. All Rights Reserved. They cant tell you that youre not at risk, and you cant tell me theres one guy in the N.B.A. 01 Mar 2023 15:17:10 Magic Johnson Likely Beefed With Teammates, But Not How Johnson wanted to bring Starbucks to the inner city, and he had to convince Schultz that his coffee shops would prosper there. 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. 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. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV.'". A Warner Bros. "Yeah, racism, not so much. Magic does have a relationship with his son EJ. I don't feel the need to do that. 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. 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. Researchers have developed a number of powerful drugs to help people like Johnson block and contain the virus. } EJ is 62, just seven inches shorter than his father Magic. Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot in 1991, one year before the Los Angeles Lakers player retired. He is an openly gay man who champions the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. "High ART costs are among many structural barriers that lead to poor treatment access and adherence, contributing to suboptimal HIV outcomes in the United States," according to a report published by JAMA Internal Medicine (opens in new tab) in 2020. How Magic Johnson's Children Are Holding Up His Legendary - AfroTech And now, she is the owner of her own self-titled sunglasses company, Elisa Johnson. Originally published on Live Science on 04 March 2022 and updated on 24 August 2022. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. The girl who changed Magic Johnson | CNN EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. Besides recognizing himself as a gender-fluid person, he has also been known for enjoying his lavish way of living. "I'm completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle." Reality TV star E.J. How and When Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? Cookie Johnson, Magics wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. Turner sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson shared photo of son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33. Magic posts about his wife and kids often on social media. 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. When and How Did Magic Johnson Get HIV? - The Cinemaholic The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. That pretty much says all we really need to know. Yet even without modern drugs, in rare instances a person living with HIV can manage on their own to keep AIDS at bay. 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. What's the real deal with EJ Johnson? Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. Either way, there's no doubt that this celebrity kid gets a lot of attention. 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.. Cookie said, Look in the mirror. I said, Youre right. Because Im proud of who I am. During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. In an interview with The New York Times, he admitted that his mom suspected he may have been gay and tried to initiate the conversation in the past. Magic Johnson Celebrates Son EJ's 30th Birthday: 'So Honored' - Peoplemag appreciated. E.J. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie E.J. Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for GLAAD). Twenty-five years ago today, Magic Johnson announced he had HIV "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. RELATED: See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star. HIV and AIDS are not the only conditions we're still looking to cure. News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. 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. He also questioned if EJ was sure he knew what he was saying. The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. Watch! When TMZ featured EJ Johnsons boyfriend, some were surprised to learn that he is gay. Magic Johnson - Early Life, Net Worth, Stats & Rings - Players Bio Speculation about the couples possible relationship began to circulate after they were spotted having lunch together. Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. I love everything about it." ". During the NBA icon's first visit to Ellen's show, he opened up about his son, and shared his advice for other parents. How Magic Johnson Messed Up When His Son Came Out In 2013, a TMZ photographer captured a photo of EJ Johnson walking on the Sunset Strip while holding hands with his boyfriend at the time. After receiving criticism for not publicly mourning his friend on social media. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. 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. Magic Johnson's net worth is currently estimated to be about $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. 2023 Cable News Network. Cookie Johnson was worried about Magic, but supportive. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. Magic was diagnosed with HIV 45 days after Cookie and Magic married, and their lives were permanently transformed. "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. Spencer Lieb is a HIV/AIDS research coordinator with The AIDS Institute. He is now flexing his acting chops in With Love and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder revival. Magic Johnson's Son E.J. Comes Out as Gay - PEOPLE.com According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. She said, That was a very hard thing for me. "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.". Magic Johnson On Gay Son EJ: 'I Was Just Waiting On Him To Tell 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. Magic Johnson Bio: Children, Wife, Height, Net Worth He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . 6-keys: media/spln/nba/reg/free/stories, at This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. RELATED:See Charles Barkley's Only Daughter All Grown Up. 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. Magic Johnson's 3 Kids: Everything to Know - people.com Discovery Company. Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get Where Are Magic Johnson's Parents Now? - The Cinemaholic And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. 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. I love the attention. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. Magic Johnsonis one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. Because he was so proud. In June, Andre posted a photo of his familystep mom Cookie includedat Gigi's sixth-grade graduation. Magic Johnson held a press conference to formally announce the retirement, an occasion so monumental that former NBA Commissioner David Stern would be seen sitting just to Johnsons left. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magics life. EJ's mom said that her husband was worried about his son living . This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. Please respect my privacy and my process., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on May 4, 2016 at 12:39pm PDT. This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. It cant be wrong. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! From the highlights from Magics career, but the evolution of Johnson as a person including his role as a husband and father. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); "I love you and enjoy your day to rest.". He also takes great pride in his skills and talents as a make-up artist. 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. 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 . EJ Johnson Sports 180-Pound Weight Loss in a Sheer Shirt - E! Online You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. As I grew older, as my wife talked to me, I couldnt [judge EJ]. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. The date was November 7, 1991. Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his son will continue to put the work in and have a positive relationship. (The series was canceled after the first season. And that trumped everything," Cookie Johnson said. Charles Johnson's Thoughts & Adventures on Twitter: "I enjoyed the Admit it, these tracks are so good, you actually thought they were originals. at that point. During his time on the show, EJ could be seen yachting, shopping at Chanels flagship store in Manhattan and driving in the $120,000 Mercedes his parents bought him for this 21st birthday. 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. Andre tends to remain out of the spotlight, but on Instagram, he frequently posts about his wife, Lisa Meyers Johnson, and kids, 12-year-old daughter Gigi Johnson and 9-year-old son Avery Johnson. 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. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Cheryl and their family during this difficult time.. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". 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 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! Youve got to support your child. 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. He has the support of his family including his father, Magic Johnson. Johnson, 37, and his wife of 13 years, Chastity, were . This was the first time he was out in public as gay. So, if you're wondering what exactly happened back then, we've got you covered. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. The reality series followed the eponymous star, sister Elisa Johnson, and their high-class crew living their best lives in the Big Apple. Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. spinoff, EJNYC, which followed his life as he moved to New York City. Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. Next, meet the MVP in Michael Jordans life, his wife Yvette Prieto. Today, two of the six original Magic Johnson-branded theaters remain open, in Harlem in New York City and suburban Washington, D.C., though he doesn't own either of them. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus. The star revealed he was "almost 100 percent positive" that a transition was out of the cards. News' "Just the Sip" in 2019 (via People). 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 previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { At the time, EJ was still a student at New York University. Michael Johnson, the son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, has died, his father announced Friday night. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). 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. ?Brandon Scoop B Robinson (@ScoopB) September 4, 2019. Winning Time: Where is Magic Johnson's Wife Cookie Today? At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Johnson was a mountain of a man, the biggest, most powerful point guard anyone had ever seen. Magic Johnson's Change Of Heart: From Homophobia To Pride "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? EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZ essentially outed him, per TheThings. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. His role as an influencer is a staple in his work that is grounded in gender-flouting. 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. More from Magic Johnsons Interview and Chat with the Ellen Show below: Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic Johnson told Ellen. Magic Johnson holding the Walter A. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. 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.