In his own way, he is becoming a fashion reference and an example for the transgender community. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. Medication can disrupt these processes, and to that end, Johnson is currently taking reverse transcriptase inhibitor and protease inhibitor drugs, which are contained in the pharmaceuticals Trizivir and Kaletra, respectively, according to the Daily Beast. The youngest of the group, Elisa, was adopted by the Johnsons in 1995 when she was just three days old. 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. The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. (Image credit: Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO via Getty Images). Magic often posts about his wife and kids on social media, but heres a closer look at his relationship with EJ, and how he has been the catalyst that changed Magic for the better. 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. 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. 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 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. I get these every night, every game, he said. 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). The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti. As it turns out, he was planning on publicly revealing his sexuality anyway. I feel like this is the body I'm supposed to be in. Go do my, Magic Johnson Discusses His Son's Coming Out. Johnson began to speak out and he has never retreated. 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. He did have a fashion blog, but it no longer exists. I also said I was going to beat the disease. Magic Johnson quickly issued a statement, saying, "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. He has previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. Furthermore, a low viral load severely reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. 01 Mar 2023 15:17:10 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. 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. TMZ Sportspublished the last known paparazzi photo of the pair in 2017 and called Alcaraz Elisa's "quasi-boyfriend." EJ is 62, just seven inches shorter than his father Magic. On Mother's Day this year, he shared a photo on Instagram of his entire family celebrating, including his three kids and grandkids. ". Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. 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. They cant tell you that youre not at risk, and you cant tell me theres one guy in the N.B.A. It was sad. From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. 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. 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. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. RELATED:See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. One of Johnson's doctors who helped pioneer the treatment placed him on the then-experimental drug cocktail in 1994, about a year and a half before it came into widespread use in 1996, according to the Daily Beast (opens in new tab). He is now flexing his acting chops in With Love and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder revival. 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. ESPN's Chris Fowler spoke over a video montage . Related: Winning Time: Why Magic Johnson Is At The Doctor's In 1991 & What Happened. Andre Johnson is a businessman, podcaster, and proud father of two. 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. } else { 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. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. 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. Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. Today he is becoming a fashionista who is looking to give a stronger voice to the transgender community through his own experience. You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. 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. Magic's oldest son, Andre, was born in 1981, two years after his father first joined the NBA. 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). ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! The year was 2010, and scarves were in. 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. "We were just so astonished at the things he was saying, and not just that he brought my dad into it, but the fact that he was being just blatantly racist. EJ ultimately decided to come out before beginning college at New York University (NYU). We're gonna be fine. (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". We are grieving and at the same time so grateful for having been witnesses to a miraculous 33 years with michael. 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. It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. "I like myself the way that I am. Since nobody in the Johnson family had ever addressed EJ's sexual preference at that time, TMZ published the photo like it was a scoop. "I thought about it, for sure," he said (via Us Weekly). "Very European," says EJ Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson, as he recalls when he came out as gay to his father. The NBA star and businesswoman, who met in college, have been together on and off for over 40 years and. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. "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. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. Magic has three kids, but he and Cookie have two children together. On "Oprah's Next Chapter," Cookie and Magic open up about how they learned their son was gay and why their love is unconditional. 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. 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. They claimed the pair were an official item. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | is amazing, he added. Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. 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. 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. ", 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. Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. In. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. 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. "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills"was simultaneously canceled. During the life cycle of the virus, HIV integrates into the host DNA. "I've always definitely mixed men's and women's fashion in my life, but I never thought that it would raise so many questions about my own gender. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV.'". Johnson was first called "Magic" when he was a star at Everett High School. HIV and AIDS are not the only conditions we're still looking to cure. ", EJ concluded, "I don't feel the need to transition. But being a fashion icon on the making has not to stop EJ from being a loving family guy with his parents and siblings. It happened," he said (via theDaily Mail). He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. However, a 2017 article in Urbo states that Johnson graduated from the prestigious school with a degree in event management and design with an interest in fashion, journalism, and media. The Hall of Fame point guard also insisted he would become a spokesman for HIV. All Rights Reserved. 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. His son EJ was born shortly, making headlines before he was even born. I don't feel that I'm in the wrong body. There was one drug then, now we have 30-something drugs.". That pretty much says all we really need to know. "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. EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. We're very proud of him." 2. "I've always been very fashion-forward," he said in an episode of "EJNYC" (via Us Weekly). And I will," Johnson wrote. Both were recently reunited for debut of . During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. 2023 Cable News Network. It was kind of like an 'aha moment,' the realization that people like that still exist," EJ told The Daily Beastthat same year, adding, "He's a walking joke. You have to be prepared for people to say certain things about you, and it just wasn't for me. ': 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. Continue to change and educate the world! Earvin "EJ" Johnson III is the son of NBA Hall of famer and Los Angeles Lakers legendary point guard, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a five-time NBA Champion, entrepreneur and Earletha "Cookie". 2:38 PM EDT, Sat October 30, 2021. Photo: Getty Images They were one of the greatest NBA teams to ever take the hardwood. The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. 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. His full name is Earvin Johnson III, but he goes by EJ professionally. I don't feel the need to do that. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie E.J. Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. } EJ told Jada Pinkett Smith in an April 2019 episode of Red Table Talk that dating was hard because of his famous father. 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. Yet through all the ups and downs, he remains the same bubbly person he has always been. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". In the photos, he is elegantly posing next to a pool wearing a blue mini-dress that fits him just right. Put on my outfit. ", A few years later, EJ finally put the public speculation to rest. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. EJ Johnson has long thought about taking a stab at the fashion industry. 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. "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. "My ignorance could cost me my life, but I wanted to try and ensure that no one else would become infected with HIV for the same reason" Johnson wrote in Sports Illustrated (opens in new tab) on November 18, 1991. 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. 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. I like my body. AboutPressCopyrightContact. I feel like this is the body Im supposed to be in. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. "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.". The star even garnered comparisons to Kim Kardashian in 2016 when he attended a wedding wearing a netted jumpsuit that looked like a dress she had worn to Cannes Lion the previous summer. Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. Magic Johnson has three children. "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". EJ was a guest host on Fashion Police and has filledin on E! We lost michael johnson today and were crushed. On the red carpet, the Johnsons also ran into Samuel L. Jackson, and posed for photos with the Academy Award-winning actor.. After the show, both Magic and his wife raved about the Broadway show . 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 mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." According to Celebrity Net Worth, EJ Johnson has an estimated $5 million net worth. Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. I never really thought it was under investigation. "I love you and enjoy your day to rest.". Reality TV star E.J. In 2017, rumors began to circulate about a possible romantic relationship between EJ and Christopher Milan, a former Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. At the time, EJ was still a student at New York University. Are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?" The familys love, faith and commitment to one another will forever be an inspiration to us. The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. Sorry tabloids: EJ is just busy being himself. She was 26 years old when she was found dead above the Major Deegan Expressway. Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. 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. The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of [] AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus. Related: Try Dopamine Dressing With 20 New Looks. It is a day in history when people too young to remember will inevitably ask their elders why Magic Johnson retired. 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. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. All Rights Reserved. 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. '", "Why Language Matters: Facing HIV Stigma in Our Own Words". Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. [emailprotected]. Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. ", According to E! When TMZ featured EJ Johnsons boyfriend, some were surprised to learn that he is gay. sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. 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. 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 was like this when he was a baby, it cant be wrong. Admit it, these tracks are so good, you actually thought they were originals. Magic Johnson's remarkable life was thrown into question after he was diagnosed with HIV. Turner Sports, in a statement posted on social media, said: We are heartbroken over the passing of Cheryl and Ernies beloved son, Michael, a true hero who uplifted and brought joy to everyone he touched. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. "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.". Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. I think its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. So, if you're wondering what exactly happened back then, we've got you covered. However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. 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. "I was told not to say anything about him kissing me, but he did. The star initially came out to his mother when he was a teenager. 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. 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. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder of progressive muscular weakness, which typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Maybe you've seen him on his E! After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.". Walton was fired and the team eventually hired former Pacers and Magic coach Frank Vogel to . EJs mom said that her husband was worried about his son living his life in a world that would not understand him. A five-time world champion, three-time league and Finals MVP and a man who played in the Finals nine of his 12 professional seasons, or for 75 percent of his career. While Magics decision to retire was clear enough, the implications were still rather unknown. Cookie Johnson, Magic's wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. I feel like this is the body that Im supposed to be in, he said in a 2019 interview. If one thing's for sure, it's that he's got all the makings of a star, but he's forging his own path away from his father's fame. In 2013, TMZ published a story with photos of EJ holding hands with his then-boyfriend. Magic even posted on social media how proud he was of EJs new role. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. Both she and her . 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. EJ Johnson's fans aren't the only ones who speculated about his gender identity, however. During his career as an NBA player, Johnson's annual salary was around $24 million, an amount . He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. 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 ); Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. ?Brandon Scoop B Robinson (@ScoopB) September 4, 2019. "I'm ready to go. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); 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. "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. } Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then.