A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Dec 18, 2015 at 12:53pm PST. About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic. Because there are so many people who try to discriminate against them, so they need you to support them. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { 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! Though his first reaction may not have been perfect, he definitely seems to be in a better place now. ", "It's a totally new mindset," EJ told Page Sixthat September. 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Immediately after learning of the talented 63-year-old basketball player's passing, hundreds of fans began posting condolence notes on the Facebook page. All Rights Reserved. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. I dont feel the need to transition. He shared that it was his mother who taught him a lot about brands like Chanel and Versace. They claimed the pair were an official item. 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. When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. In the photos, he is elegantly posing next to a pool wearing a blue mini-dress that fits him just right. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. RELATED:See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star. I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. Andre also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. He appeared on CNNs This Is Life in 2018 and opened up about his identity. "I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. "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. https://t.co/RQM9OCSd77. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. Is this something that I would do?' Magic Johnson played in five of Los Angeles eight preseason games that year, but he officially called it quits on Nov. 3, 1992 after an outpouring of criticism and concern from players and executives around the league. 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. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . 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). 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. As for Louis Vuitton using Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, in its women's line adsthe previous year, EJ claimed,"If you're going to do it, I think you should go with somebody who's actually doing it because they genuinely get it as opposed to somebody who just has a name and was doing it just to be out there." 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. Today. However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. "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. Magic Johnson, whom they drafted in 1979, was a vital cog in their championship runs. (Image credit: Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO via Getty Images). READ ALSO: Emily Faye Miller's bio: life before and after Too Hot To Handle. 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 . EJ said the reaction to his sexuality varied from positive to extremely harsh, but it doesn't look like he gave his haters too much attention. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. In the 1988 NBA Finals between the Pistons and the Lakers, Thomas and Johnson. Today he is becoming a fashionista who is looking to give a stronger voice to the transgender community through his own experience. 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. However, EJ had already discussed his sexual orientation with his family. I always say that if you feel like youre not in the right body, then by all means get to where you want to be I dont feel that Im in the wrong body. "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. if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. Researchers have developed a number of powerful drugs to help people like Johnson block and contain the virus. Upon infection with HIV, a person's immune system kills off nearly all of the virus and infected cells. Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. (Image credit: YakubovAlim via Getty Images). 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. Johnson remembered the devastation of his diagnosis, and said that the most difficult part was having to tell his wife Cookie -- who he had just married, and whom had just become pregnant with their child. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. The star revealed he was "almost 100 percent positive" that a transition was out of the cards. The familys love, faith and commitment to one another will forever be an inspiration to us. Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. In scientific terms, this mode of replication classifies HIV as a retrovirus, hence "antiretroviral" drugs. Magic Johnson has had a very busy life, from his days in college to his NBA tenure and everything that happened between that and the things he had to live after calling it a career. "I said that because I had tested HIV-positive, I was retiring from the NBA. 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His style is androgynous, from ankle boots, sheer tops, diamond chokers, and furs to feminine with dresses with thigh-high slits. 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). You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. This was the first time he was out in public as gay. ", Regardless, EJ admits his loved ones' support helped ground him. However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. His full name is Earvin Johnson III, but he goes by EJ professionally. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. ", 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. Take on my day. 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. Both were recently reunited for debut of . ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing Before the Los Angeles Lakers' final game of the 2018-19 season, Magic Johnson stunned the team and the NBA world at large by stepping down as the team's president of basketball operations.. 6-keys: media/spln/nba/reg/free/stories, at Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. ". ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. 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. In a 2022 interview with Variety, EJ spoke about how his father initially struggled to accept his identity. The youngest of the group, Elisa, was adopted by the Johnsons in 1995 when she was just three days old. As of this writing in 2022, EJ has not launched his own fashion line, but we're certainly keeping an eye out for it. 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. "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). While Magics decision to retire was clear enough, the implications were still rather unknown. Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Cookie Johnson, Magics wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. "I read a story where you went to him and said . In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! 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. [emailprotected]. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti. The gender-fluid fashionista is always flaunting his amazing wardrobe. 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. 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. EJ is 62, just seven inches shorter than his father Magic. His brother, Andre Johnson has a different mother. In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. The transformed, soon-to-be NYU grad and son of Magic Johnson showed off his new look on Good Day New York. } 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. EJ Johnson has long thought about taking a stab at the fashion industry. spinoff, EJNYC, which followed his life as he moved to New York City. I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. As I grew older, as my wife talked to me, I couldnt [judge EJ]. The name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. 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.". It cant be wrong. 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. Magic even posted on social media how proud he was of EJs new role. From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. 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. New York, This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. Originally published on Live Science on 04 March 2022 and updated on 24 August 2022. In 2017, rumors began to circulate about a possible romantic relationship between EJ and Christopher Milan, a former Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star. ", EJ concluded, "I don't feel the need to transition. In response to the headlines, Magic said, Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. Johnson Reveals 100+ Weight Loss on Good Day NY! Hes a businessman and podcaster. 01 Mar 2023 15:17:10 Surprisingly, Johnson has seen great success personally and professionally, in part by reflecting on the words of a childhood friend, Reggie Chastine, who died while they were in high school. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. 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. He is an openly gay man who champions the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. His clothing showed more skin after he dropped more than 100 pounds after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in 2014. 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. Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot in 1991, one year before the Los Angeles Lakers player retired. He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. 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. I never really thought it was under investigation. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. 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). The Rolling Stones frontman has a huge family. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Therapists say it can damage your connection. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. Magic was born on 14 August 1959 in Lansing, Michigan, U.S.He is the son of Earvin Sr., who was a General Motors assembly worker, and Christine Johnson, who was a school janitor.. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. Needless to say, basketball legends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson ceased being true friends a long time ago. "I always wanted to come into the spotlight," EJ told the YouTube talk show "Gwissues" shortly after (via ESPN). The year was 2010, and scarves were in. 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. Johnson was first called "Magic" when he was a star at Everett High School. "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. Magic added that he just needed more time. There's [sic] so many factors. It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' "Yeah, racism, not so much. 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. I feel like this is the body I'm supposed to be in. Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. "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. But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Cheryl and their family during this difficult time.. EJ told the New York Times in 2017 that he learned about his fathers diagnosis while doing a book report and finding a book about his father in the library while in elementary school. '", "Why Language Matters: Facing HIV Stigma in Our Own Words". 1:59 Coming for b*tches 5:48 Unlikely friends 7:24 Magic Johnsons Son 9:48 The ho phase 11:06 Transitioning? EJ Johnson is a media personality and socialite best known as Magic Johnson's son. "Scarves were really big for men's fashion," EJ explained. Powered by. 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. Awood "Mr. Magic" Johnson, a rapper best known for his work in the 90's on the No Limit Records label, has died. The NBA star and businesswoman, who met in college, have been together on and off for over 40 years and. It's just business as usual and that business is his family. On that autumn day, Johnson announced he had HIV. 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. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. He pressed a finger to a small, pinkish hole on his thigh that was developing into a scab. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. 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. 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). He did have a fashion blog, but it no longer exists. At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Johnson was a mountain of a man, the biggest, most powerful point guard anyone had ever seen. Where is Magic Johnson from? 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. Related:Meet Quincy Isaiah, the Michigan Man Playing Magic Johnson in HBO Maxs Winning Time. How and When Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? That pretty much says all we really need to know. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. Spencer Lieb is a HIV/AIDS research coordinator with The AIDS Institute. Heres how it works. Im very happy with myself. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. As fashionable and fashion-forward as he is, Johnson does not have a fashion line. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. 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. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, sports, gaming and more with his friend Mike Dupree. Everything has gone right. The NBA tweeted that the league mourns the passing of Michael Johnson., Michael was admired by so many around the league for his remarkable courage and perseverance. And he got it from me, Magic told Varietyin April 2022. at that point. Magic has three kids, but he and Cookie have two children together. In addition to EJ, the Johnsons adopted Elisa Johnson when she was three days old in 1995. We're very proud of him." Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. appreciated. He was unhappy with his portrayal on the show, saying, "I don't even recognize that person. 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. 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. 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 Johnson, Cookie Johnson and EJ Johnson attend "To Kill A Mockingbird" Broadway Opening Night at Shubert Theatre on December 13, 2018 in New York City. According to research and estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in new tab), as of 2019 about 1.18 million Americans have HIV, and 13 percent of them are undiagnosed. "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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. After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. During the life cycle of the virus, HIV integrates into the host DNA. EJ's mom said that her husband was worried about his son living . sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. 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. 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. 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. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. "I say dance around in your closet when no one is looking until the time is right," he toldBET, advising readers to "just make sure you're safe." The star initially came out to his mother when he was a teenager. In 2013, TMZ published a story with photos of EJ holding hands with his then-boyfriend.