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. (Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) "It. 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. Magic Johnson's 3 Kids: Everything to Know - people.com "I never thought that I'd look this good, and that is the God's honest truth. He is a television personality, socialite and actor. I feel like this is the body that Im supposed to be in, he said in a 2019 interview. 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. Spencer Lieb is a HIV/AIDS research coordinator with The AIDS Institute. As it turns out, he would be one of the foremost voices in educating the public, including the notion that heterosexuals could contract the disease. 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. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. In 2013, EJ was outed by TMZ. How and When Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? Nowadays, EJ Johnson seems to be living his dreams. Magic Johnson's Son E.J. Comes Out as Gay - PEOPLE.com In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. "We are so proud of her and I love that she's doing what she always wanted to do, work in the fashion industry," Magic wrote in an Instagram post. But being a fashion icon on the making has not to stop EJ from being a loving family guy with his parents and siblings. 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. 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. I'm very happy with myself," he said during an appearance on E! Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. We are grieving and at the same time so grateful for having been witnesses to a miraculous 33 years with michael. 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. 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. 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. Also joining them were Cookie's mom, sister, and their nephew. Things got rocky after the socialite was outed in 2013 when TMZposted a video of him holding hands with his then-boyfriend. When did Magic Johnson have his son? Yet it was his charisma, especially at his precocious age, that floored. 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. "I always had dreams and plans of doing my own thing and creating my own image, so it came a little sooner than I thought it would but this is still something I knew I would be going through and would have to experience.". 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.. "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. However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. He retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 after revealing that he had tested positive for. 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. Yet even without modern drugs, in rare instances a person living with HIV can manage on their own to keep AIDS at bay. The date was November 7, 1991. 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. The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of [] AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.. New Orleans rapper Awood 'Mr. Magic' Johnson has died 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 . Magic & Cookie Johnson's Relationship Timeline Spans Over 40 Years - Bustle The rise of the Los Angeles Lakers from years of a title drought was helped in big part by them drafting Earvin "Magic" Johnson in 1979. 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. The familys love, faith and commitment to one another will forever be an inspiration to us. Either way, there's no doubt that this celebrity kid gets a lot of attention. ", EJ also gave advice to closeted young people who might be looking to his lifestyle as a road map for their own. On this Nov. 7, legendary Lakers point guard Earvin Magic Johnson stunned the entire world when he announced that he had contracted the HIV virus, and would be retiring from NBA immediately. He also takes great pride in his skills and talents as a make-up artist. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Related: Try Dopamine Dressing With 20 New Looks. Immediately after learning of the talented 63-year-old basketball player's passing, hundreds of fans began posting condolence notes on the Facebook page. Magic Johnson, whom they drafted in 1979, was a vital cog in their championship runs. It cant be wrong. 2. 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. Who is Magic Johnson's son EJ Johnson? | The US Sun ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! 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. 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. However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. Magic Johnson dominated the court as one of professional basketball's best players for 13 years. Everything has gone right. He was 33. EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. Today he is becoming a fashionista who is looking to give a stronger voice to the transgender community through his own experience. I love the attention. As fashionable and fashion-forward as he is, Johnson does not have a fashion line. } ); 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. On "Oprah's Next Chapter," Cookie and Magic open up about how they learned their son was gay and why their love is unconditional. xhr.send(payload); In June, Andre posted a photo of his familystep mom Cookie includedat Gigi's sixth-grade graduation. ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. EJ is 62, just seven inches shorter than his father Magic. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". His full name is Earvin Johnson III, but he goes by EJ professionally. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. 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. 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. Magic Johnson's Son EJ Flaunts Curves and Strong Legs in a - AmoMama The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. ", Regardless, EJ admits his loved ones' support helped ground him. The longtime Inside the NBA host said via Twitter, We are grieving and at the same time so grateful for having been witnesses to a miraculous 33 years with michael., A post shared by Ernie Johnson (@ernie.johnson). Both were recently reunited for debut of . document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { EJ Johnson's fans aren't the only ones who speculated about his gender identity, however. 2022 Galvanized Media. America's Favorite Gay Newsman: Openly Gay Anderson Cooper Split With Restauranter Partner; Boyfriend Still Family. Discovery Company. It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. They Call Me Magic - Apple TV+ Press 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. Andre is married to Lisa Meyers Johnson, and has two kids, Gigi and Avery. All Rights Reserved. I'm just very comfortable in my own skin. Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. Michael, who suffered . who hasnt thought about it.. 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. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. 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. Maybe you've seen him on his E! Magic Johnson Likely Beefed With Teammates, But Not How "This guy we adopted from Romania in 1991 and diagnosed with. To these days, the whole family supports EJ in every way, as the close and lovely family they all are. But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. Both she and her . "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". When asked about the fashion industry's embrace of more androgynous styles and expression, EJ said, "I don't think the fashion world has made any type of major huge strides, where we need to start commending anybody yet. Andre Johnson is a businessman, podcaster, and proud father of two. 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. But some small number remain, and over time, those HIV cells replicate, attacking the immune system in seven stages, according to the National Institute of Health (opens in new tab)'s HIV info page. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . 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. Like her mom and brother EJ, Elisa is interested in fashion, and launched her own sunglass line in 2021. 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. ", "It's a totally new mindset," EJ told Page Sixthat September. EJ said, I like myself the way that I am. By Barbara Pavone / Updated: Aug. 3, 2021 7:23 pm EDT. The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. You can also learn about some of the cancers we're still battling and why they're so challenging. Magic Johnson son EJ talks coming out to his father - Yahoo! Winning Time: Where is Magic Johnson's Wife Cookie Today? Please respect my privacy and my process., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on May 4, 2016 at 12:39pm PDT. You have to be prepared for people to say certain things about you, and it just wasn't for me. Where is Magic Johnson from? 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. "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. Related:Meet Quincy Isaiah, the Michigan Man Playing Magic Johnson in HBO Maxs Winning Time. Magic Johnson Apologized to His Son EJ Johnson After EJ - Sportscasting This is a gradual process known as the HIV life cycle and it is by blocking the virus at each stage of this process that it can be prevented from advancing to AIDS. In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. I dont feel the need to transition. She said, That was a very hard thing for me. Magic Johnson's Parents Actually Hated His Nickname - Bustle Where Are Magic Johnson's Parents Now? - The Cinemaholic 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. EJ Johnson, Magic Johnson's Son: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know 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 does have a relationship with his son EJ. 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. Earvin Johnson III (born June 4, 1992) is an American television personality and socialite who is also the son of Magic Johnson.EJ JohnsonNationalityAmericanOccupationTelevision personality, socialite, fashion commentatorMagic Johnson (parent) Earlitha Kelly (mother)2 more rowsMagic Johnson Magic Johnson Kids The star revealed he was "almost 100 percent positive" that a transition was out of the cards. That was a very, very hard thing for me. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . They have a son, EJ, and in 1995, they adopted a girl, Elisa. They cant tell you that youre not at risk, and you cant tell me theres one guy in the N.B.A. 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. 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. The singer's two younger daughters are his little lookalikes. Despite indicating the doctors told him there was no risk of transmission, Johnsons return during the 1992 preseason was frowned upon. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". 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. Cookie Johnson, Magic's wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. 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. From the highlights from Magics career, but the evolution of Johnson as a person including his role as a husband and father. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. In addition to EJ, the Johnsons adopted Elisa Johnson when she was three days old in 1995. When the NBA star first learned that EJ was gay, Magic expressed that this wasnt what he wanted for his son. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." Magic Johnson Investments He has had partnerships previously with Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, T.G.I Fridays, and AMC Theatres. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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. 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. When TMZ featured EJ Johnsons boyfriend, some were surprised to learn that he is gay. 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. Andre, EJ, and Elisa have taken on very different career paths. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. And he got it from me, Magic told Varietyin April 2022. The Day Magic Johnson Found Out He Was HIV-Positive He pressed a finger to a small, pinkish hole on his thigh that was developing into a scab. Is this something that I would do?' Here [in the United States] I do not experience that much racism, I feel like that's probably more prevalent before I was born.". It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. 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. Magic Johnson Bio: Children, Wife, Height, Net Worth ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. 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. It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' 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. When he was younger, he would love to play with dolls. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. 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. 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. How the Magic Johnson-led Lakers' Showtime dynasty nearly never happened Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. He has previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. 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. NY 10036. 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. Thirty Years Later, Magic Johnson Is Still Doing Lifesaving Work Awood "Mr. Magic" Johnson, a rapper best known for his work in the 90's on the No Limit Records label, has died. Despite the stunning realization that Magic Johnson would no longer be taking the court, the league did give him one of the more memorable sendoffs in recent sports history. Ernie Johnson's son Michael dies at age of 33 | CNN It was sad. "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. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. 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. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); "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). Magic Johnson and His Family Including Son EJ - Yahoo! (The series was canceled after the first season. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. 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). 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 fact that the gay man is the son of legendary NBA player, Magic Johnson . Reality TV star E.J. The actor's personal life has made headlines as well. 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. In his own way, he is becoming a fashion reference and an example for the transgender community. 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'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. The HIV-AIDS epidemic began in earnest in the 1980s, but there was still very little knowledge as to how the disease was contracted or what it meant in terms of contagiousness and long-term impact. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, One thing, of course, was very clear: there had been infidelity on Johnsons part. When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. Johnson began to speak out and he has never retreated. 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. EJ Johnson has shown the world that he is an unstoppable force. 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. In 2013, TMZ published a story with photos of EJ holding hands with his then-boyfriend. 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. 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. 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. EJ has appeared in multiple TV shows such as Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, EJNYC, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and most recently The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. "There is nothing unique about Magic," Spencer Lieb, senior epidemiologist (opens in new tab) and HIV/AIDS research coordinator for the Florida Consortium for HIV/AIDS Research told Live Science. "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". 2023 Cable News Network. In 2014, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, a reality series following lives of some of the richest kids. 1:59 Coming for b*tches 5:48 Unlikely friends 7:24 Magic Johnsons Son 9:48 The ho phase 11:06 Transitioning? 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. Magic Johnson's Oldest Son Andre Worked for His Company & Co-hosts a Magic Johnson Celebrates Son EJ's 30th Birthday: 'So Honored' - Peoplemag Magic Johnsonis one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.".