Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. Reality TV star E.J. EJ, 30, came out. EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. 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. He shared that it was his mother who taught him a lot about brands like Chanel and Versace. "I like myself the way that I am. I feel like this is the body that Im supposed to be in, he said in a 2019 interview. ". In 2013, EJ was outed by TMZ. 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. That was a very, very hard thing for me. Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get 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. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. 2:38 PM EDT, Sat October 30, 2021. Next, meet the MVP in Michael Jordans life, his wife Yvette Prieto. ESPN's Chris Fowler spoke over a video montage . I Image: Getty Images. 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. 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. Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. 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). Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. NY 10036. 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. Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. 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. 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. I feel like this is the body I'm supposed to be in. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. 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. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. These and other HIV-fighting drugs are "hideously expensive," said Lieb. But being a fashion icon on the making has not to stop EJ from being a loving family guy with his parents and siblings. 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. In his own way, he is becoming a fashion reference and an example for the transgender community. Would love your thoughts, please comment. On that autumn day, Johnson announced he had HIV. 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 . Related: Winning Time: Why Magic Johnson Is At The Doctor's In 1991 & What Happened. First of all, the celebrity thing who are you here for, are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?, In August 2018, EJ lost his best friend, Lyric McHenry, to a drug overdose. "I was just like, 'Well, do I want to transition? You can also learn about some of the cancers we're still battling and why they're so challenging. Furthermore, a low viral load severely reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Because there are so many people who try to discriminate against them, so they need you to support them. She's following in her mother's footsteps in more ways than one. They cant tell you that youre not at risk, and you cant tell me theres one guy in the N.B.A. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . 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. 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. 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. It is not known if Johnson is among this "scarce breed," as Lieb called them, but more than likely "without medications, he'd be progressing.". Since Dec. 2018, he's been the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games. I don't feel that I'm in the wrong body. EJ was a guest host on Fashion Police and has filledin on E! But some small number remain, and over time, those HIV cells replicate, attacking the immune system in seven stages, according to the National Institute of Health (opens in new tab)'s HIV info page. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. "I'm ready to go. Watch! Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. 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. Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. 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. And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. A video surfaced on Twitter of Lopez and EJ Johnson getting their dance on to Teena Maries Square Biz while at his Magic Johnsons 60th Birthday party in Saint Tropez. 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. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. Former basketball star Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot back in 1991, one year before the longtime Los Angeles Lakers player retired from the NBA. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". RELATED: See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star. He revealed on the season finale of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" that he'd lost about 180 pounds since the procedure. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZ essentially outed him, per TheThings. "I always wanted to come into the spotlight," EJ told the YouTube talk show "Gwissues" shortly after (via ESPN). The rising reality star is the son of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson. In addition to EJ, the Johnsons adopted Elisa Johnson when she was three days old in 1995. We're very proud of him." Admit it, these tracks are so good, you actually thought they were originals. When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! 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. show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, which aired from 2014 to 2016. His role as an influencer is a staple in his work that is grounded in gender-flouting. 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills"was simultaneously canceled. EJ Johnson is a media personality and socialite best known as Magic Johnson's son. 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. As it turns out, he was planning on publicly revealing his sexuality anyway. EJ said, I like myself the way that I am. He was like this when he was a baby, it cant be wrong. Nowadays, EJ Johnson seems to be living his dreams. Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. Ive never done anything on television that is this honest and real, he shared in an Instagram post promoting the segment. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. Magic does have a relationship with his son EJ. 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 you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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! "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. Andre Johnson is a businessman, podcaster, and proud father of two. Put on my outfit. Magic even posted on social media how proud he was of EJs new role. Magic Johnson quickly issued a statement, saying, "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. But Magic knew that for E.J., coming out to his parents, which happened years ago,. The star revealed he was "almost 100 percent positive" that a transition was out of the cards. I dont feel the need to transition. In honor of Father's Day last year, he posted a photo of Magic, Cookie, Gigi, and Andre, along with a heartfelt tribute. And now, she is the owner of her own self-titled sunglasses company, Elisa Johnson. The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of [] AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.. But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. To see what Magic Johnson's three children are up to and to learn more about the tight-knit Johnson family, read on. In. He became a household name when he appeared on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, and got his spinoff show called EJNYC. 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. "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? News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. Things got rocky after the socialite was outed in 2013 when TMZposted a video of him holding hands with his then-boyfriend. 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. Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In 2014, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, a reality series following lives of some of the richest kids. He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. #teamthis, A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 18, 2016 at 2:44pm PDT. ?Brandon Scoop B Robinson (@ScoopB) September 4, 2019. 12:46 pm ET, Bucks vs. 76ers odds, picks, computer sims, Morant to miss 'at least' two games after IG post, NBA DFS picks, lineups, advice, March 4 strategy, Grizzlies' Clarke out for season with Achilles injury, Raptors vs. Wizards odds, picks, computer sims, Streaking Warriors must overcome one major roadblock, Magic Johnson opens up on 30 years with HIV, Window for Durant, Suns is open -- until it's not, Morant to miss two games after video with gun, Nuggets beat Grizz, likely lock up West's top spot, Randle's game-winner runs Knicks' win streak to eight, Celtics booed off floor after blowing 28-point lead. She was 26 years old when she was found dead above the Major Deegan Expressway. #EJNYC premieres tomorrow night at 11 only on E! 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. ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. Story highlights. 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. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . EJ is 62, just seven inches shorter than his father Magic. 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. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 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 | "I love you and enjoy your day to rest.". "It helped people who were living with not just HIV and AIDS, but with any disease, that you can live on, you can be live a productive life.". "I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do," he said on "Gwissues." EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. 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. Sure, Johnsons Twitter account has become a practical parody because of the Maddenesque analysis he provides, but his genuine care for the players and the game in general is still inherently clear. Johnson attended New York University, studying hospitality with a focus on event planning and design. EJs mom said that her husband was worried about his son living his life in a world that would not understand him. It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. 10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021, How mental health affects physical health, "They told me that the three-drug combination was going to save my life, and they were right," Johnson told The Guardian (opens in new tab) in 2021. A subset of integrated HIV provirus remains transcriptionally silent, producing neither viral proteins nor viral progeny, until reactivation by various physiologic stimuli. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. Magic Johnson has remained a central part of the Lakers franchise in his life since, serving as a coach and executive, as well as a player when he came out of retirement for the 1996 season. sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. 2. 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. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. 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. Originally published on Live Science on 04 March 2022 and updated on 24 August 2022. They claimed the pair were an official item. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. 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. America's Favorite Gay Newsman: Openly Gay Anderson Cooper Split With Restauranter Partner; Boyfriend Still Family. "I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". "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. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. After receiving criticism for not publicly mourning his friend on social media. The year was 2010, and scarves were in. 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. 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. You need to get creative.". Its given me a whole new view on life. Is this something that I would do?' The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti. "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. "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". He was supported by his family in his decision to come out publicly. Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. It's just business as usual and that business is his family. 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. Magic's oldest son, Andre, was born in 1981, two years after his father first joined the NBA. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. "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.". He is now flexing his acting chops in With Love and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder revival. They have a son, EJ, and in 1995, they adopted a girl, Elisa. I never really thought it was under investigation. Magic Johnson holding the Walter A. We're gonna be fine. It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. 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. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); "High ART costs are among many structural barriers that lead to poor treatment access and adherence, contributing to suboptimal HIV outcomes in the United States," according to a report published by JAMA Internal Medicine (opens in new tab) in 2020. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. He also takes great pride in his skills and talents as a make-up artist. While Magics decision to retire was clear enough, the implications were still rather unknown. 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. "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. Immediately after learning of the talented 63-year-old basketball player's passing, hundreds of fans began posting condolence notes on the Facebook page. He is known for wearing both men's and womens clothing and putting his own spin on it. "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. There's [sic] so many factors. Maybe you've seen him on his E! 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. 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. appreciated. We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including 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. 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. 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). The gender-fluid fashionista is always flaunting his amazing wardrobe. Awood "Mr. Magic" Johnson, a rapper best known for his work in the 90's on the No Limit Records label, has died. Cookie Johnson was worried about Magic, but supportive. 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. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic. It was seemingly just like any other in basketball circles. The name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. (Image credit: YakubovAlim via Getty Images). Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. 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. "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. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. This was the first time he was out in public as gay. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. He has a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Leeds. 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. 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).