Researchers have developed a number of powerful drugs to help people like Johnson block and contain the virus. Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. He lived up to that promise by making regular appearances, giving interviews and being an activist for HIV and AIDS organisations. #teamthis, A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 18, 2016 at 2:44pm PDT. As of this writing in 2022, EJ has not launched his own fashion line, but we're certainly keeping an eye out for it. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. You need to get creative.". If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. 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. EJ Johnson is a media personality and socialite best known as Magic Johnson's son. 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.". 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. 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). He did have a fashion blog, but it no longer exists. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. And I will," Johnson wrote. But Magic knew that for E.J., coming out to his parents, which happened years ago,. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Cheryl and their family during this difficult time.. Magic Johnsonis one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. At the time of Magic Johnson's diagnosis, there was a strong stigma around HIV and AIDS. 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. Nov 6, 2021. In the past, EJ has consistently nabbed headlines for his unapologetic sense of fashion and candid attitude, whether he's speaking about the realities of LGBTQ+ adults or sparring with his sister, Elisa Johnson, on screen. How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? appreciated. 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. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . The series lasted just six episodes. Go do my, Magic Johnson Discusses His Son's Coming Out. "I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. 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. I Image: Getty Images. TMZ Sportspublished the last known paparazzi photo of the pair in 2017 and called Alcaraz Elisa's "quasi-boyfriend." RELATED: See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star. "We are so proud of her and I love that she's doing what she always wanted to do, work in the fashion industry," Magic wrote in an Instagram post. Discovery Company. During the NBA icon's first visit to Ellen's show, he opened up about his son, and shared his advice for other parents. When did Magic Johnson have his son? show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, which aired from 2014 to 2016. 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. Cookie Johnson, Magics wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. It cant be wrong. But 30 years later, the NBA legend is still pursuing his passions, with Cookie by his side. He has a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Leeds. EJ Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Transitioning | Just The Sip | E! 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. Magic Johnson death news is trending on the Internet. Magic's oldest son, Andre, was born in 1981, two years after his father first joined the NBA. "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. Johnson says meeting her as a girl changed his life. Magic Johnson was on hand to celebrate his son EJ Johnson's milestone birthday over the weekend. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. "I love you and enjoy your day to rest.". Despite the stunning realization that Magic Johnson would no longer be taking the court, the league did give him one of the more memorable sendoffs in recent sports history. It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. 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. "I feel like I wasn't cut out for it," she told SSENSE Magazine in April 2017. Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. He was given the nickname by a sports writer who had just seen the 15-year-old prepster notch 36 points, 16 rebounds. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { He was cast in the first season of E! He actually helped me get there. "I'm ready to go. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. (Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) "It. In 2015, EJ lost over 100 pounds and had surgery to remove excess weight. 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. News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . I'm so blessed to help continue the conversation about our community and what it means to truly live your truth. EJ doesnt plan to transition either. One thing, of course, was very clear: there had been infidelity on Johnsons part. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. Early Childhood and Education. There was one drug then, now we have 30-something drugs.". ?Brandon Scoop B Robinson (@ScoopB) September 4, 2019. In 1995, the Johnson family adopted Elisa Johnson when she was a baby. "I thought about it, for sure," he said (via Us Weekly). In. After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. On Mother's Day this year, he shared a photo on Instagram of his entire family celebrating, including his three kids and grandkids. After receiving criticism for not publicly mourning his friend on social media. is amazing, he added. 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. Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. ", A few years later, EJ finally put the public speculation to rest. having their privacy invaded by paparazzi, some were surprised to learn that he is gay, Magics wife made sure to let him know that his reaction wasnt OK, has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender. It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. During his career as an NBA player, Johnson's annual salary was around $24 million, an amount . Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson has become a living testament to advances in medicine that have turned human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from a death sentence into something that can be managed and lived with. Magic Johnson's remarkable life was thrown into question after he was diagnosed with HIV. 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. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. He also shared some insight into his diet and exercise routine. Continue to change and educate the world! 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. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! 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. 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. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. 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. 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. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". Earvin went to Everett High School in Michigan for the duration of his high school experience, despite their basketball team . There's [sic] so many factors. Either way, there's no doubt that this celebrity kid gets a lot of attention. Johnson attended New York University where he studied hospitality with a focus on event planning and design, according to various different profiles. } EJ, 30, came out. 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. His son EJ was born shortly, making headlines before he was even born. For Magic Johnson, supporting his gay son Earvin Johnson III, known as "E.J.," wasn't even a question. READ ALSO: Emily Faye Miller's bio: life before and after Too Hot To Handle. A five-time world champion, three-time league and Finals MVP and a man who played in the Finals nine of his 12 professional seasons, or for 75 percent of his career. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. However, it was not a shock to his parents. It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. Magic added that he just needed more time. Magic has three kids, but he and Cookie have two children together. 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. He pressed a finger to a small, pinkish hole on his thigh that was developing into a scab. Because he was so proud. 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. #EJNYC premieres tomorrow night at 11 only on E! How and When Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? "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.". 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. Reality TV star E.J. Find out why exercise can be important to mental health too. The reality series followed the eponymous star, sister Elisa Johnson, and their high-class crew living their best lives in the Big Apple. "Scarves were really big for men's fashion," EJ explained. NY 10036. They should probably start highlighting people who are doing it in the streets, as opposed to whatever celebrity they're putting in a skirt for five seconds just for publicity.". 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. This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. The fact that the gay man is the son of legendary NBA player, Magic Johnson . The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. 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, whom they drafted in 1979, was a vital cog in their championship runs. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnson's kids total to two. About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . 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. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. section: | slug: magic-johnson-opens-up-on-living-with-hiv-30-years-after-his-diagnosis | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Since EJ Johnsons sexual orientation has become public, his famous father has appeared in interviews speaking out about the importance of embracing children for who they are. Updated 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. On Nov. 8, 1991, the day after the Los Angeles Lakers star announced he had been diagnosed with the virus, Mark Heisler of the Los Angeles Times (opens in new tab) wrote: "Many people [diagnosed] with HIV live many years with few serious effects on their health. The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. "This guy we adopted from Romania in 1991 and diagnosed with. "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.". And we love him. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for GLAAD). The Rolling Stones frontman has a huge family. "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? Am I gonna die? 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