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. 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. According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. Michael Johnson, the son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, has died, his father announced Friday night. Magic Johnson: the NBA superstar who smashed HIV stigma - the Guardian } else { The star had some questions of his own especially surrounding Caitlyn Jenner's abovementioned Vanity Fair cover. By Barbara Pavone / Updated: Aug. 3, 2021 7:23 pm EDT. It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! 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 Johnson, a notable Hollywood actress and successful entrepreneur. ", 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. 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.". Maybe you've heard about him on the internet or in a tabloid headline. Magic Johnson Emotionally Reveals When He Found Out His Son Was Gay: "I "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. Truth about Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas is that even friendship can "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.". When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. The series lasted just six episodes. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV.'". "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". ". "Very European," says EJ Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson, as he recalls when he came out as gay to his father. 2022 Galvanized Media. Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. 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. "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.". In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. Our deepest condolences are with Cheryl, Ernie and their family, friends and loved ones as we mourn with them, the statement read. 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. 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. https://t.co/RQM9OCSd77. At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Johnson was a mountain of a man, the biggest, most powerful point guard anyone had ever seen. I like my body.. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { A subset of integrated HIV provirus remains transcriptionally silent, producing neither viral proteins nor viral progeny, until reactivation by various physiologic stimuli. New York, "The surgery was definitely the best thing that ever happened to me," the star said. 01 Mar 2023 15:17:10 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 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. Both she and her . 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. "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. E.J. 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. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! An insider told ET,"The cast was upset because they wanted at least one more season to give closure to their storylines," but it sounds like EJ was ready to be done with all things E! 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. Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. Awood "Mr. Magic" Johnson, a rapper best known for his work in the 90's on the No Limit Records label, has died. "I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-72659260-1&cid=3f04818d-0c52-47fe-9dbf-229a559738e6&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=8719156970272511032'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); Things got rocky after the socialite was outed in 2013 when TMZposted a video of him holding hands with his then-boyfriend. "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. Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. 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. The name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. That doesn't mean it was always easy, however. "We were just so astonished at the things he was saying, and not just that he brought my dad into it, but the fact that he was being just blatantly racist. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. Magic Johnson, byname of Earvin Johnson, Jr., (born August 14, 1959, Lansing, Michigan, U.S.), American basketball player who led the National Basketball Association (NBA) Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. Related:Meet Quincy Isaiah, the Michigan Man Playing Magic Johnson in HBO Maxs Winning Time. He is hardly known by his birth name, Earvin Johnson III. "We love him and EJ is amazing, so you gotta support your child. 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. Nowadays, EJ Johnson seems to be living his dreams. They claimed the pair were an official item. A Warner Bros. 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.". 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). Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. Magic Johnson and Hydeia Broadbent Met 20 Years Ago During - NewsOne pic.twitter.com/JFTbV0U9YZ. The singer's two younger daughters are his little lookalikes. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Currently, EJ is reportedly single. In the photos, he is elegantly posing next to a pool wearing a blue mini-dress that fits him just right. "And he just could not stand it. Magic Johnson's Son, EJ, Opens Up About His Gender Identity - EBONY Powered by. Did you encounter any technical issues? "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.". 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. EJ Johnson has long thought about taking a stab at the fashion industry. "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. 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. 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. When and How Did Magic Johnson Get HIV? - The Cinemaholic Theres so many factors. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. ", Elisa ultimately decided not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. See Magic Johnson's Three Children All Grown Up Today EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. Magic Johnson Bio: Children, Wife, Height, Net Worth TNT broadcaster Ernie Johnson's son dead at 33 - New York Post Photo: Getty Images They were one of the greatest NBA teams to ever take the hardwood. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, spoke about what it was like coming out as gay to his father. He was 33. He previously served as the Executive Vice President of his dads company, Magic Johnson Enterprises. Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. 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 . In 2014, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, a reality series following lives of some of the richest kids. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. "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. EJ's mom said that her husband was worried about his son living . Immediately after learning of the talented 63-year-old basketball player's passing, hundreds of fans began posting condolence notes on the Facebook page. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. 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." 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. Were getting a closer look into the life and career of NBA legend Magic Johnson with They Call Me Magic streaming on Apple TV+. appreciated. However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. Mar 3, 2013 - 5:20 am. He also shared some insight into his diet and exercise routine. I love everything about it." While appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in April 2017, the host talked to Magic about what kind of advice he would give to a parent whose child comes out. 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. 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. Ernie Johnson's son Michael dies at age of 33 | CNN Magic Johnson, whom they drafted in 1979, was a vital cog in their championship runs. She's following in her mother's footsteps in more ways than one. Magic Johnsonis one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. 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. 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. Shortly thereafter, EJ did his first coming out interview on Gwissues with Howard Bragman. Admit it, these tracks are so good, you actually thought they were originals. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? Needless to say, basketball legends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson ceased being true friends a long time ago. 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. 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. Because he was so proud. However, it was not a shock to his parents. I feel like this is the body I'm supposed to be in. "Thank you for teaching us how to be people of action, not words, and to always be a blessing to those around you," Andre wrote in the caption. How the Magic Johnson-led Lakers' Showtime dynasty nearly never happened 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, 30, came out. He also takes great pride in his skills and talents as a make-up artist. Presenting your official soundtrack to falling (or staying) in love. 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. Magic Johnson holding the Walter A. xhr.send(payload); Magic was diagnosed with HIV 45 days after Cookie and Magic married, and their lives were permanently transformed. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. Related: Try Dopamine Dressing With 20 New Looks. Like her mom and brother EJ, Elisa is interested in fashion, and launched her own sunglass line in 2021. 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. Discovery Company. Related: Winning Time: Why Magic Johnson Is At The Doctor's In 1991 & What Happened. In June, Andre posted a photo of his familystep mom Cookie includedat Gigi's sixth-grade graduation. Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. Magic Johnson's Parents Actually Hated His Nickname - Bustle I don't feel that I'm in the wrong body. Turner sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson shared photo of son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33. Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. "I told her how I was feeling and she obviously told me that she had known and always would love me anyway," he said during an interview with "Gwissues" host Howard Bragman (via ESPN). Who is Magic Johnson's son EJ Johnson? | The US Sun Magic & Cookie Johnson's Relationship Timeline Spans Over 40 Years - Bustle 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. His son EJ was born shortly, making headlines before he was even born. However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. In fact, it was made out of the same material, and the styling was near-identical. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". Magic Johnson explains his abrupt resignation from Lakers I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. Also joining them were Cookie's mom, sister, and their nephew. 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. His style is androgynous, from ankle boots, sheer tops, diamond chokers, and furs to feminine with dresses with thigh-high slits. "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. He also questioned if EJ was sure he knew what he was saying. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.". 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. The youngest of the group, Elisa, was adopted by the Johnsons in 1995 when she was just three days old. We lost michael johnson today and were crushed. 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. She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. He became a household name when he appeared on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, and got his spinoff show called EJNYC. Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. 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. 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". 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. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. Earvin went to Everett High School in Michigan for the duration of his high school experience, despite their basketball team . 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 | 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. 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. Inside The Lives Of Magic Johnson's Children - NickiSwift.com