", According to E! ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! } ); However, Magic revealed in that press conference that his biggest fan was less than thrilled. Am I gonna die? Despite indicating the doctors told him there was no risk of transmission, Johnsons return during the 1992 preseason was frowned upon. Johnson, 37, and his wife of 13 years, Chastity, were . 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. "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . Were very proud of him. But behind closed doors, things looked a little different, because Magic had a hard time accepting that his son is gay. Here [in the United States] I do not experience that much racism, I feel like that's probably more prevalent before I was born.". 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. } else { Mar 3, 2013 - 5:20 am. This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. 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. Nowadays, EJ Johnson seems to be living his dreams. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. The fact that the gay man is the son of legendary NBA player, Magic Johnson . How and When Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? Today. 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. Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. "It's almost like they're attacking me for being me and so to that I can only say, 'Well, I can only be myself, so I don't know really what you want me to do,'" he said. He is currently based in Bournemouth, UK. To these days, the whole family supports EJ in every way, as the close and lovely family they all are. 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. 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 | 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. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. "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). The NBA regular season had just started, with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looking to defend their championship. The date was November 7, 1991. In 2015, EJ lost over 100 pounds and had surgery to remove excess weight. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. But today, thanks to advancements in antiretroviral drugs, the life expectancy (opens in new tab) of a young person diagnosed with HIV is not dissimilar from that of a similarly aged person without HIV, according to Healthline (opens in new tab). Please disable your ad blocker to view the video content. Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Like her mom and brother EJ, Elisa is interested in fashion, and launched her own sunglass line in 2021. That pretty much says all we really need to know. They cant tell you that youre not at risk, and you cant tell me theres one guy in the N.B.A. 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. 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. This was the first time he was out in public as gay. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, sports, gaming and more with his friend Mike Dupree. She was 26 years old when she was found dead above the Major Deegan Expressway. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. EJ Johnson has long thought about taking a stab at the fashion industry. 1:59 Coming for b*tches 5:48 Unlikely friends 7:24 Magic Johnsons Son 9:48 The ho phase 11:06 Transitioning? Miller is an English model . I feel like this is the body I'm supposed to be in. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. is amazing, he added. "We love him and EJ is amazing, so you gotta support your child. I also said I was going to beat the disease. 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. EJ is 62, just seven inches shorter than his father Magic. This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. EJ Johnson was born to his famous parents on June 4, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California. An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. You need to get creative.". EJ turned 30 on Saturday and marked the occasion with a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park . 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. EJ Johnson is a media personality and socialite best known as Magic Johnson's son. Johnson Reveals 100+ Weight Loss on Good Day NY! 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. Reality TV star 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. The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. The Hall of Fame point guard also insisted he would become a spokesman for HIV. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { appreciated. She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Maybe you've heard about him on the internet or in a tabloid headline. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and our family. ", Regardless, EJ admits his loved ones' support helped ground him. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. Related: Winning Time: Why Magic Johnson Is At The Doctor's In 1991 & What Happened. I think its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. "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. Upon graduation, he worked in A&R for five years at Elektra Entertainment with artists like Jay Z, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani. 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. During his career as an NBA player, Johnson's annual salary was around $24 million, an amount . 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During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. News), EJ said, "Whether it's the African-American community, or in my case, the gay community, it's important to make sure that we represent those communities in a positive way. Johnson, now 60, is currently the CEO and the founder of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), an investment conglomerate valued at an estimated $1 billion dollars, according to its website. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! According to Celebrity Net Worth, EJ Johnson has an estimated $5 million net worth. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. 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. Shortly thereafter, EJ did his first coming out interview on Gwissues with Howard Bragman. 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. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder of progressive muscular weakness, which typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It happened," he said (via theDaily Mail). 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. "I never thought that I'd look this good, and that is the God's honest truth. He was 33. 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. [emailprotected]. (The series was canceled after the first season. The 62-year-old was first drafted on the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and continued to play for them for 13 seasons.. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? Both she and her . EJ has appeared in multiple TV shows such as Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, EJNYC, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and most recently The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. 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. From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. 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. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. He also shared some insight into his diet and exercise routine. reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." And now, she is the owner of her own self-titled sunglasses company, Elisa Johnson. Everything has gone right. He was 33. #EJNYC premieres tomorrow night at 11 only on E! 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. "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. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic Johnson discussed living with HIV three decades after he was initially diagnosed with the virus prior to the 1991-92 NBA season. Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus. Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. 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). However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. In 2017, EJ Johnson got candid with The New York Times about his sports star father's very public journey with HIV, which began when EJ's mother was two months pregnant with him. At the time, EJ was still a student at New York University. 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. News, The "#RichKids of Beverly Hills" alum opens up about the type of men he's attracted to, his father Magic Johnson and his late friend Lyric McHenry. if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. Magic Johnson death news is trending on the Internet. He also takes great pride in his skills and talents as a make-up artist. But 30 years later, the NBA legend is still pursuing his passions, with Cookie by his side. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. EJ, 30, came out. 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. Magic Johnson holding the Walter A. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. 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). ", According to BET, he also recognizes how lucky he is to be able to live freely as "a young Black man in the public eye who plays with gender norms." 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. "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. The son of basketball star Magic Johnson set his sights on NYC staple 1OAK for his own personal fashion show, where he was seen strutting some serious leg in a thigh-high fringe skirt, black tank . His boardroom pitch wasn't enough to win Schultz over, so he . Johnson has been starting his mornings off right ever since he lost more than 100 lbs.! EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZ essentially outed him, per TheThings. "I've always loved being in front of people, being on stage and performing. Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. 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. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. who hasnt thought about it.. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. 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. Since nobody in the Johnson family had ever addressed EJ's sexual preference at that time, TMZ published the photo like it was a scoop. Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. He is hardly known by his birth name, Earvin Johnson III. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. } This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! 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". It was seemingly just like any other in basketball circles. 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. These "long-term nonprogressors" or "elite controllers," estimated at as few as one in 500, have lived for decades with HIV, despite not being on antiretroviral therapy. I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. In 1991, Cookie was pregnant with EJ when Magic announced to the world that he was HIV positive. Early Childhood and Education. During the life cycle of the virus, HIV integrates into the host DNA. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Youve got to support your child. ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. I'm just very comfortable in my own skin. Furthermore, a low viral load severely reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. The name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. 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." EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. Did you encounter any technical issues? He is a television personality, socialite and actor. The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. He was given the nickname by a sports writer who had just seen the 15-year-old prepster notch 36 points, 16 rebounds. In 1977, he met Earlitha . 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. 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. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. For Magic Johnson, supporting his gay son Earvin Johnson III, known as "E.J.," wasn't even a question. There was one drug then, now we have 30-something drugs.". He appeared on CNNs This Is Life in 2018 and opened up about his identity. I don't feel that I'm in the wrong body. 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. He was cast in the first season of E! AboutPressCopyrightContact. This seemed all the more evident during the 1992 Olympics, when Johnson joined Team USA as a member of the famed Dream Team in Barcelona. Magic Johnson has three children. It cant be wrong. 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. His clothing showed more skin after he dropped more than 100 pounds after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in 2014. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. 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. News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. There's [sic] so many factors. Where is Magic Johnson from? EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. His role as an influencer is a staple in his work that is grounded in gender-flouting. Updated About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV.'". 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. show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, which aired from 2014 to 2016. News and hosting other shows. Needless to say, basketball legends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson ceased being true friends a long time ago. Andre also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. "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. The rising reality star is the son of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson. "Johnson went on to attack the HIV stigma with the same passion he displayed on the court, launching the Magic Johnson Foundation to raise awareness about the virus, then pushing Congress and the White House to spend money to fight the disease," wrote Nelson Oliveira for CBS News (opens in new tab). I Image: Getty Images. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. We lost michael johnson today and were crushed. In a 2022 interview with Variety, EJ spoke about how his father initially struggled to accept his identity. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. 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.'". 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.. 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. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.". Michael Johnson, the son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, has died, his father announced Friday night. EJ Johnson has shown the world that he is an unstoppable force. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. During the NBA icon's first visit to Ellen's show, he opened up about his son, and shared his advice for other parents. Heavy.com's Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson details 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know about EJ Johnson, son of NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson. You can also learn about some of the cancers we're still battling and why they're so challenging. The NBA star and businesswoman, who met in college, have been together on and off for over 40 years and. ", 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. According to a 2021 profile of Magic, his mother, a devout Christian, felt the nickname was "blasphemous.". Currently, EJ is reportedly single. 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. The singer's two younger daughters are his little lookalikes. 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.