EJ launched a now-defunctfashion blog in 2014. That pretty much says all we really need to know. "The surgery was definitely the best thing that ever happened to me," the star said. It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' Maybe you've seen him on his E! 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. RELATED:See Charles Barkley's Only Daughter All Grown Up. Next, meet the MVP in Michael Jordans life, his wife Yvette Prieto. In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. "As we talk today, right now, I'm thinking, 'Wow' its been 30 years and I'm still here, healthy. EJs mom said that her husband was worried about his son living his life in a world that would not understand him. All Rights Reserved. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic Johnson discussed living with HIV three decades after he was initially diagnosed with the virus prior to the 1991-92 NBA season. 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. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. He has the support of his family including his father, Magic Johnson. We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including 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. Magic posts about his wife and kids often on social media. The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. 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. He actually helped me get there. However, despite the frenzied headlines and strained family dynamic, EJ was not even aware of his father's illness until he learned about it by accident after stumbling upon a reference to his dad while researching a book report in elementary school. There was one drug then, now we have 30-something drugs.". It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. In 1977, he met Earlitha . Both she and her . We're very proud of him." When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. 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. The next day, he apologized to his son as he emotionally told him they would get through this. 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. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. Magic Johnson quickly issued a statement, saying, "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. Shortly thereafter, EJ did his first coming out interview on Gwissues with Howard Bragman. ESPN and Fox aired primetime tributes to Johnson's son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33 after a lifelong struggle with muscular dystrophy. 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. EJ Johnson has shown the world that he is an unstoppable force. Presenting your official soundtrack to falling (or staying) in love. "I really think it's important that you not listen to so many fads; you really need to find what works for you," the "EJNYC" star explained, going on to note, "But that doesn't mean you're done after that because you don't like what's hot. 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. He was like this when he was a baby, it cant be wrong. 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. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. In 1991, Cookie was pregnant with EJ when Magic announced to the world that he was HIV positive. However, thanks to advancements in antiretroviral drugs and management of the condition, the 63-year-old continues to thrive in his roles as a sports analyst, businessman and HIV activist more than 30 years later. 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. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot in 1991, one year before the Los Angeles Lakers player retired. EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. Apple today unveiled the teaser trailer for "They Call Me Magic," premiering April 22 on Apple TV+. 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). scientific studies and medical journals. Related: Try Dopamine Dressing With 20 New Looks. At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Johnson was a mountain of a man, the biggest, most powerful point guard anyone had ever seen. 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So, if you're wondering what exactly happened back then, we've got you covered. It happened," he said (via theDaily Mail). "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. EJ Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Transitioning | Just The Sip | E! We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. EJ (Earvin Johnson III) can relate to this all too well. Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. EJ is 62, just seven inches shorter than his father Magic. At the time of Magic Johnson's diagnosis, there was a strong stigma around HIV and AIDS. Cookie Johnson, Magic's wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. 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. ", According to E! While appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in April 2017, the host talked to Magic about what kind of advice he would give to a parent whose child comes out. who hasnt thought about it.. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. According to a 2021 profile of Magic, his mother, a devout Christian, felt the nickname was "blasphemous.". is amazing, he added. Michael, who suffered . They have a son, EJ, and in 1995, they adopted a girl, Elisa. Oh, snap. 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. } ); "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". 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. I love the attention. Besides recognizing himself as a gender-fluid person, he has also been known for enjoying his lavish way of living. Despite indicating the doctors told him there was no risk of transmission, Johnsons return during the 1992 preseason was frowned upon. The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. Related:Meet Quincy Isaiah, the Michigan Man Playing Magic Johnson in HBO Maxs Winning Time. Magic has three kids, but he and Cookie have two children together. Earvin went to Everett High School in Michigan for the duration of his high school experience, despite their basketball team . He is hardly known by his birth name, Earvin Johnson III. 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. As I grew older, as my wife talked to me, I couldnt [judge EJ]. EJ recalled, "[Magic] just was like, we're gonna get through this, I just need time and we both just started crying a little bit. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. "I feel like I wasn't cut out for it," she told SSENSE Magazine in April 2017. EJ went on to say, "Now, since everybody's talking about Caitlyn Jenner and being transgender, people are so quick to say, 'Oh, just because you're dressing like that means that you're going to transition to become a woman.'". 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. New York, Admit it, these tracks are so good, you actually thought they were originals. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. Am I gonna die? She's following in her mother's footsteps in more ways than one. Put on my outfit. [emailprotected]. Mar 3, 2013 - 5:20 am. 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. 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). It was seemingly just like any other in basketball circles. He is a television personality, socialite and actor. Hes a businessman and podcaster. They claimed the pair were an official item. That's what happened with Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas, whose relationship began to deteriorate after the Lakers and Pistons met in back-to-back NBA Finals in 1988 and 1989. Johnson wanted to bring Starbucks to the inner city, and he had to convince Schultz that his coffee shops would prosper there. In 2013, EJ was outed by TMZ. At the time, EJ was still a student at New York University. News), EJ said, "Whether it's the African-American community, or in my case, the gay community, it's important to make sure that we represent those communities in a positive way. "Very European," says EJ Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson, as he recalls when he came out as gay to his father. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. PerBET, the show was "not completely ratchet with hair pulling and fighting," but let's be honest, it wasn't exactly "Masterpiece Theater," either. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus. In 2017, EJ Johnson got candid with The New York Times about his sports star father's very public journey with HIV, which began when EJ's mother was two months pregnant with him. Researchers have developed a number of powerful drugs to help people like Johnson block and contain the virus. 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. I dont feel the need to transition. 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. 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. I Image: Getty Images. However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." AboutPressCopyrightContact. His full name is Earvin Johnson III, but he goes by EJ professionally. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. ", EJ also gave advice to closeted young people who might be looking to his lifestyle as a road map for their own. Im very happy with myself. Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. But I don't feel incomplete in that way. Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. EJ Johnson's fans aren't the only ones who speculated about his gender identity, however. Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get 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. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); 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. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. News and hosting other shows. The Rolling Stones frontman has a huge family. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Cheryl and their family during this difficult time.. In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. Like her mom and brother EJ, Elisa is interested in fashion, and launched her own sunglass line in 2021. He is now flexing his acting chops in With Love and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder revival. at that point. 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! 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). 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. EJ Johnson was born on June 4, 1992. Since Dec. 2018, he's been the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. However, Magic revealed in that press conference that his biggest fan was less than thrilled. Would love your thoughts, please comment. During the life cycle of the virus, HIV integrates into the host DNA. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. "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? You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. "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.". 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. 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. I feel like this is the body I'm supposed to be in. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. "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). 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.. HIV is now considered a chronic health condition that can be managed with the right drugs and a healthy lifestyle. "And he just could not stand it. 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. 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 . 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. "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". Brown championship trophy after winning the NBA title in 1980 with the Los Angeles Lakers. Everything has gone right. Related: Winning Time: Why Magic Johnson Is At The Doctor's In 1991 & What Happened. It's just business as usual and that business is his family.