at that point. Currently, EJ is reportedly single. Magic, 63, says his son, whom he shares with his wife Cookie Johnson, "is so beloved all over the world" as a television personality and as an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. 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. Both were recently reunited for debut of . "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? I feel like this is the body that Im supposed to be in, he said in a 2019 interview. Upon infection with HIV, a person's immune system kills off nearly all of the virus and infected cells. Magic Johnson dominated the court as one of professional basketball's best players for 13 years. Legit.ng recently published Emily Faye Miller's biography. "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 like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. 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. ", Regardless, EJ admits his loved ones' support helped ground him. And now, she is the owner of her own self-titled sunglasses company, Elisa Johnson. 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". 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. PerBET, the show was "not completely ratchet with hair pulling and fighting," but let's be honest, it wasn't exactly "Masterpiece Theater," either. He actually helped me get there. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). scientific studies and medical journals. The familys love, faith and commitment to one another will forever be an inspiration to us. Magic Johnson's net worth is currently estimated to be about $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie E.J. Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. 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. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. He became a household name when he appeared on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, and got his spinoff show called EJNYC. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. Randy Chrisley Is Todd Chrisley's Brother Who Was Diagnosed with Cancer in 2014, Johnny Depp's Weight Gain & Changes in Appearance over the Years, 'Whos the Boss? "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. 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. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, spoke about what it was like coming out as gay to his father. Am I gonna die? Ive never done anything on television that is this honest and real, he shared in an Instagram post promoting the segment. "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. 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 revealed on the season finale of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" that he'd lost about 180 pounds since the procedure. It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. 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. The 62-year-old was first drafted on the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and continued to play for them for 13 seasons.. 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. 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. Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. Miller is an English model . Next, meet the MVP in Michael Jordans life, his wife Yvette Prieto. Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. 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. Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. 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. During a period when Magic and Cookie had broken up, he dated a woman named Melissa Mitchell, with whom he had a son, Andre, on Feb. 20, 1981. Related:Meet Quincy Isaiah, the Michigan Man Playing Magic Johnson in HBO Maxs Winning Time. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". E.J. He is hardly known by his birth name, Earvin Johnson III. EJ put out a statement reading, Im going to make this clear to everyone there will be no mourning post because Im not going to reduce a 25yr friendship to 1 Instagram post. During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. He was 33. We're very proud of him." Things got rocky after the socialite was outed in 2013 when TMZposted a video of him holding hands with his then-boyfriend. In 2013, EJ was outed by TMZ. As it turns out, he would be one of the foremost voices in educating the public, including the notion that heterosexuals could contract the disease. He retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 after revealing that he had tested positive for. In his own way, he is becoming a fashion reference and an example for the transgender community. (The series was canceled after the first season. The NBA star and businesswoman, who met in college, have been together on and off for over 40 years and. They have a son, EJ, and in 1995, they adopted a girl, Elisa. 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.. 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. However, it was not a shock to his parents. Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. Its given me a whole new view on life. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. Apple today unveiled the teaser trailer for "They Call Me Magic," premiering April 22 on Apple TV+. Put on my outfit. I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. Although the unfortunate response to Johnsons condition will forever be somewhat of a black mark on the NBAgranted, HIV was a mostly unknown diseaseit is interesting to look back at some of the phrases and words Johnson used during his first retirement press conference in 1991. NBA legend Magic Johnsons son, EJ Johnson, is on his way of becoming a fashion icon as well as a voice for the transgender community. Since Dec. 2018, he's been the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games. Although Johnson reacted at first, he talked to his son the next day and at that moment, they knew everything was going to be fine between them. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. I don't feel the need to do that. This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. He has a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Leeds. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." 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. Walton was fired and the team eventually hired former Pacers and Magic coach Frank Vogel to . In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. Johnson began to speak out and he has never retreated. 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. ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic. "I've always been very fashion-forward," he said in an episode of "EJNYC" (via Us Weekly). Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnson's kids total to two. Our deepest condolences are with Cheryl, Ernie and their family, friends and loved ones as we mourn with them, the statement read. RELATED:See Charles Barkley's Only Daughter All Grown Up. 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. 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. EJ Johnson was born to his famous parents on June 4, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California. According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. I get these every night, every game, he said. Did you encounter any technical issues? 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. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. 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. Crediting dad Magic Johnson for giving him the following advice, EJ recalled, "Make sure you check your surroundings and be you, do you, but make sure you're not putting yourself in dangerous situations where you could get hurt.". "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. There's [sic] so many factors. There was one drug then, now we have 30-something drugs.". "Magic got a jumpstart on experimental drugs before they were released to the general public," Lieb told Life's Little Mysteries, "but there were many people in clinical trials benefitting at the same time.". Maybe you've heard about him on the internet or in a tabloid headline. 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. She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. He shared that it was his mother who taught him a lot about brands like Chanel and Versace. News' "Just the Sip" in 2019 (via People). We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including The transformed, soon-to-be NYU grad and son of Magic Johnson showed off his new look on Good Day New York. When did Magic Johnson have his son? CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. ': 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. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. Johnson, 37, and his wife of 13 years, Chastity, were . Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. When Magic Johnson's iconic basketball career was interrupted by a stunning HIV diagnosis three decades ago, the newlywed NBA legend had no idea how much time he had to live or how the virus. However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! News' recap, EJ urged his sister to call it quits with Alcaraz, and it looks like she eventually heeded his advice. She was a part of her brother's EJNYC show in 2016, but Elisa, who is now 26, has said that she didn't exactly enjoy being on reality TV. 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. '", "Why Language Matters: Facing HIV Stigma in Our Own Words". 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. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. Youve got to support your child. Johnson attended New York University, studying hospitality with a focus on event planning and design. [emailprotected]. 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. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. I think its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. 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. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". 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. 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.'". How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. 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. E.J. Watch! "I said that because I had tested HIV-positive, I was retiring from the NBA. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZ essentially outed him, per TheThings. This was the first time he was out in public as gay. Magic Johnson has been living with HIV for nearly 0 years and thanks to advances in medical science the disease is now more manageable than it was when he first revealed his diagnosis. 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). Presenting your official soundtrack to falling (or staying) in love. } The first enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, turns the virus' genetic instructions encoded in a single RNA strand into double-stranded DNA. I'm very happy with myself," he said during an appearance on E! 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. His father took a while to come around to the news. I dont feel the need to transition. As of this writing in 2022, EJ has not launched his own fashion line, but we're certainly keeping an eye out for it. Nov 6, 2021. 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. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. 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. By taking the right regimen every day, most people living with HIV can see the number of virus particles in a sample of their blood, or viral load, become undetectably low. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Magic Johnson was on hand to celebrate his son EJ Johnson's milestone birthday over the weekend. The actor's personal life has made headlines as well. } else { "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. Because there are so many people who try to discriminate against them, so they need you to support them. They claimed the pair were an official item. Updated The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. "I never thought that I'd look this good, and that is the God's honest truth. 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. 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. It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. It is a day in history when people too young to remember will inevitably ask their elders why Magic Johnson retired. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. 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. In 1995, the Johnson family adopted Elisa Johnson when she was a baby. At the time of Magic Johnson's diagnosis, there was a strong stigma around HIV and AIDS. After Magic Johnson's scuffle with Ron Boone in Episode 4 of 'Winning Time', you might be wondering what happened in the Lakers' locker room. "I always say that if you feel like you're not in the right body, then by all means get to where you want to be. 2:38 PM EDT, Sat October 30, 2021. Magic Johnson's Son Was the Executive Vice President of His Company Andre Johnson graduated in 1999 from Santa Monica College with a degree in Business Management. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti. 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. When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents. And I will," Johnson wrote. 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. On Mother's Day this year, he shared a photo on Instagram of his entire family celebrating, including his three kids and grandkids. "I like myself the way that I am. However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. 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. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. In honor of Father's Day last year, he posted a photo of Magic, Cookie, Gigi, and Andre, along with a heartfelt tribute. Johnson says meeting her as a girl changed his life. 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. However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Michael, who suffered . He was cast in the first season of E! 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. 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. Magic Johnsonis one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. 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.