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). Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. Johnson confessed in an interview: I think it's all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. 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. EJ Johnson's fans aren't the only ones who speculated about his gender identity, however. is amazing, he added. Sometimes it's hard being in the middle, kind of in the gray area in my own lane." Here [in the United States] I do not experience that much racism, I feel like that's probably more prevalent before I was born.". Im just very comfortable in my own skin. The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. "I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. As it turns out, he was planning on publicly revealing his sexuality anyway. Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot in 1991, one year before the Los Angeles Lakers player retired. ", Regardless, EJ admits his loved ones' support helped ground him. "I like myself the way that I am. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { 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. reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." Yet even without modern drugs, in rare instances a person living with HIV can manage on their own to keep AIDS at bay. Magic Johnson death news is trending on the Internet. Today he is becoming a fashionista who is looking to give a stronger voice to the transgender community through his own experience. Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. The star had some questions of his own especially surrounding Caitlyn Jenner's abovementioned Vanity Fair cover. Already a trailblazer who's been challenging long-standing gender stereotypes when it comes to his attire, EJ was considering launching his own fashion collection back in 2017, according to The New York Times. Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. All Rights Reserved. His boardroom pitch wasn't enough to win Schultz over, so he . 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. The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. 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. After the discussion, Magics wife made sure to let him know that his reaction wasnt OK. Magic admitted to blurting out the first thing that came to his mind. Today. This was the first time he was out in public as gay. Am I gonna die? 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. What's the real deal with EJ Johnson? "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. ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! His style is androgynous, from ankle boots, sheer tops, diamond chokers, and furs to feminine with dresses with thigh-high slits. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, which aired from 2014 to 2016. Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. "I'm completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle." So if you dont support them, whos going to support them and love them?, Despite being openly interested in gender-fluid fashion, EJ told E! All Rights Reserved. He is currently based in Bournemouth, UK. "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.". 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. 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. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.". He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. 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. According to Celebrity Net Worth, EJ Johnson has an estimated $5 million net worth. 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. The Hall of Fame point guard also insisted he would become a spokesman for HIV. 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. At the time, EJ was still a student at New York University. 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. Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. "Yeah, racism, not so much. Apple today unveiled the teaser trailer for "They Call Me Magic," premiering April 22 on Apple TV+. The series lasted just six episodes. The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. Johnson attended New York University where he studied hospitality with a focus on event planning and design, according to various different profiles. He was 33. ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. But while Jordan and the Bulls began the year healthy and optimistic, the Los Angeles Lakerswho were the Western Conference representatives in the 1991 NBA Finalswere about to be blindsided. In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. (Image credit: YakubovAlim via Getty Images). Johnsons friends and rivals all embraced him on the floor, as if the barriers initially created by the disease had been totally wiped away. 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. Magic has three kids, but he and Cookie have two children together. I feel like this is the body Im supposed to be in. In. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. The NBA regular season had just started, with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looking to defend their championship. In 1995, the Johnson family adopted Elisa Johnson when she was a baby. She said, That was a very hard thing for me. When did Magic Johnson have his son? In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. They cant tell you that youre not at risk, and you cant tell me theres one guy in the N.B.A. "As we talk today, right now, I'm thinking, 'Wow' its been 30 years and I'm still here, healthy. The Rolling Stones frontman has a huge family. 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. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. However, it was not a shock to his parents. RELATED: See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star. He also appeared on Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). 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. "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. EJ's mom said that her husband was worried about his son living . 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 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. It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnson's kids total to two. Reality TV star E.J. Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. Andre Johnson is a businessman, podcaster, and proud father of two. After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. Michael Johnson, the son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, has died, his father announced Friday night. And that trumped everything," Cookie Johnson said. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. I Image: Getty Images. In 2014, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, a reality series following lives of some of the richest kids. "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). "I thought about it, for sure," he said (via Us Weekly). During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. 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 told the Times, The school called my mom and was like, We dont know if you want him to do the book report, because it talks about the H.I.V., I think it was at that point that they told me that he had been sick and hes a lot better., In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2016, EJs mother admitted that she struggled to come to terms with her son coming out. 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. Sorry tabloids: EJ is just busy being himself. Oh, snap. Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. You have to be prepared for people to say certain things about you, and it just wasnt for me, she said about starring with her brother on EJNYC. The singer's two younger daughters are his little lookalikes. EJ Johnson is a media personality and socialite best known as Magic Johnson's son. RELATED:See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. To these days, the whole family supports EJ in every way, as the close and lovely family they all are. Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. "I never thought that I'd look this good, and that is the God's honest truth. 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. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. As fashionable and fashion-forward as he is, Johnson does not have a fashion line. EJ singled out the show's producers, claiming, "Everyone was just worried about me being 'relatable,' and even that word made me want to gag.". But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. "I was just like, 'Well, do I want to transition? Interestingly enough, EJ spilled all the inside tea when he appeared on Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk. Watch! In addition to EJ, the Johnsons adopted Elisa Johnson when she was three days old in 1995. I love everything about it." We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Cheryl and their family during this difficult time.. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." His son EJ was born shortly, making headlines before he was even born. 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. 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. Approximately 36,000 people are diagnosed with HIV each year, and more than 15,000 die annually, although these deaths can be from any cause, not necessarily from an AIDS-related illness. "I walk in the office and he started talking about the test," Johnson says. He shared that it was his mother who taught him a lot about brands like Chanel and Versace. 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. "I said that because I had tested HIV-positive, I was retiring from the NBA. Powered by. 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. Since Dec. 2018, he's been the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games. He became a household name when he appeared on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, and got his spinoff show called EJNYC. In 2013, EJ was outed by TMZ. ", "It's a totally new mindset," EJ told Page Sixthat September. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. 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. He retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 after revealing that he had tested positive for. "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. 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. When the NBA star first learned that EJ was gay, Magic expressed that this wasnt what he wanted for his son. Admit it, these tracks are so good, you actually thought they were originals. Rather than deny the existence of his boyfriend, the then-20-year-old star rolled with the punches. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. 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. He lived up to that promise by making regular appearances, giving interviews and being an activist for HIV and AIDS organisations. If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. 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. Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. There's [sic] so many factors. 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. He was supported by his family in his decision to come out publicly. 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. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. Also joining them were Cookie's mom, sister, and their nephew. This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and our family. 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. "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. "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 name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. Our deepest condolences are with Cheryl, Ernie and their family, friends and loved ones as we mourn with them, the statement read. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. 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. "I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do," he said on "Gwissues." This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. "Scarves were really big for men's fashion," EJ explained. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. 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. Magic Johnson has three children. His approach acted as a "public-health catalyst," wrote Alexander Cardazzi, Joshua C. Martin, and Zachary Rodriguez in their 2021 paper "Information Avoidance and Celebrity Exposure: The Effect of "Magic" Johnson on AIDS Diagnoses and Mortality in the U.S. (opens in new tab)" for West Virginia University, as they attempted to quantify the impact his announcement in 1991 had on heterosexual men getting tested for HIV. 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 also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? News in 2018 that he had no plans to transition. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Therapists say it can damage your connection. The origins of Magic Johnson's nickname date back well before Winning Time episode 1's story, as it began when he was in high school. HIV spreads by hijacking a subset of white blood cells called CD4 cells or T cells, which are the body's first line of defense against foreign invaders, and using the cells' DNA to make copies of itself or replicate; in this process, these T cells get destroyed, according to Healthline (opens in new tab). Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Cookie Johnson, Magics wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. 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. EJ was a guest host on Fashion Police and has filledin on E! } 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. 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. 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. ", EJ also gave advice to closeted young people who might be looking to his lifestyle as a road map for their own. On that autumn day, Johnson announced he had HIV. Because he was so proud. An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. Put on my outfit. But then, I moved to New York to go to college and when he came back to visit, he picked me up for dinner and he hugged me so hard, he almost broke my back, and then at that point, I was like, 'We're gonna be okay.'