The Tragic Death of Magic Johnson's Best Friend Inspired Him for Years The familys love, faith and commitment to one another will forever be an inspiration to us. 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. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. Immediately after learning of the talented 63-year-old basketball player's passing, hundreds of fans began posting condolence notes on the Facebook page. Approximately 36,000 people are diagnosed with HIV each year, and more than 15,000 die annually, although these deaths can be from any cause, not necessarily from an AIDS-related illness. 01 Mar 2023 15:17:10 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. "I never thought that I'd look this good, and that is the God's honest truth. Milan is currently in a relationship withtrans reality star and beauty influencer Lauryn England. EJ Johnson was born on June 4, 1992. In 2013, Johnson came out as gay to his family at the age of 17 after a TMZ report published pictures of him holding hands with a male friend. 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. Discovery Company. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. "I was told not to say anything about him kissing me, but he did. Johnsons friends and rivals all embraced him on the floor, as if the barriers initially created by the disease had been totally wiped away. At the time of Magic Johnson's diagnosis, there was a strong stigma around HIV and AIDS. Magic Johnson's net worth is currently estimated to be about $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! Did you encounter any technical issues? "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). According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. Am I gonna die? Besides recognizing himself as a gender-fluid person, he has also been known for enjoying his lavish way of living. Magic does have a relationship with his son EJ. Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. Michael Jordan Once Rejected an Epic $1 Million 1-on-1 Matchup Against Magic Johnson. He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? Since Dec. 2018, he's been the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games. Johnson remembered the devastation of his diagnosis, and said that the most difficult part was having to tell his wife Cookie -- who he had just married, and whom had just become pregnant with their child. Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas squash decades-long feud in tearful (Image credit: Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO via Getty Images). Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. Magic Johnson son EJ talks coming out to his father - Yahoo! "I'm completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle." The youngest of the group, Elisa, was adopted by the Johnsons in 1995 when she was just three days old. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. Awood "Mr. Magic" Johnson, a rapper best known for his work in the 90's on the No Limit Records label, has died. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV.'". The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. HIV and AIDS are not the only conditions we're still looking to cure. xhr.send(payload); Magic even posted on social media how proud he was of EJs new role. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for GLAAD). Johnson Reveals 100+ Weight Loss on Good Day NY! In his own way, he is becoming a fashion reference and an example for the transgender community. 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. His role as an influencer is a staple in his work that is grounded in gender-flouting. "It was hard because I loved her so much and I hated to hurt her," Magic Johnson said. Jennifer Lopez, Magic Johnsons Son Rump Shake in San Tropez https://t.co/ZAaXbYEnks pic.twitter.com/djPolv14Wz, ? The story of how the Lakers won a title in his first season and went on to win many more over the next decade is chronicled in HBO's latest series, 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.' 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. "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. Andre Johnson is a businessman, podcaster, and proud father of two. New Orleans rapper Awood 'Mr. Magic' Johnson has died Winning Time: Where is Magic Johnson's Wife Cookie Today? Though his first reaction may not have been perfect, he definitely seems to be in a better place now. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. As it turns out, he was planning on publicly revealing his sexuality anyway. During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. 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. News and hosting other shows. 6-keys: media/spln/nba/reg/free/stories, at 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. He also questioned if EJ was sure he knew what he was saying. When the former professional basketball player was diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (opens in new tab) in 1991, a lack of understanding and stigmatization surrounding the virus (opens in new tab) led to questions being raised over his future life prospects. After receiving criticism for not publicly mourning his friend on social media. When he was younger, he would love to play with dolls. Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. Continue to change and educate the world! Magic Johnson - Wikipedia "I was just like, 'Well, do I want to transition? 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. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. Magic Johnson reveals his son EJ's coming out 'changed' him 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. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. One thing, of course, was very clear: there had been infidelity on Johnsons part. EJ Johnson Sports 180-Pound Weight Loss in a Sheer Shirt - E! Online E.J. Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations earlier this month, and now, according to reports, it's because management sent emails criticizing . It is a day in history when people too young to remember will inevitably ask their elders why Magic Johnson retired. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. News' recap, EJ urged his sister to call it quits with Alcaraz, and it looks like she eventually heeded his advice. Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. Early Childhood and Education. Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . He is hardly known by his birth name, Earvin Johnson III. EJ (Earvin Johnson III) can relate to this all too well. Why Magic Johnson's Wife Threatened To Leave Him Despite Sticking By 2023 Cable News Network. His brother, Andre Johnson has a different mother. appreciated. 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. Magic Johnson opens up on living with HIV 30 years after his diagnosis What happened to Cleveland's Magic Johnson Theatre seen on Apple TV's When TMZ featured EJ Johnsons boyfriend, some were surprised to learn that he is gay. In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. During his time on the show, EJ could be seen yachting, shopping at Chanels flagship store in Manhattan and driving in the $120,000 Mercedes his parents bought him for this 21st birthday. PerBET, the show was "not completely ratchet with hair pulling and fighting," but let's be honest, it wasn't exactly "Masterpiece Theater," either. AboutPressCopyrightContact. Reality TV star E.J. 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. However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. The star revealed he was "almost 100 percent positive" that a transition was out of the cards. Johnson says meeting her as a girl changed his life. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder of progressive muscular weakness, which typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The NBA regular season had just started, with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looking to defend their championship. I dont feel the need to transition. And we love him. 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. To these days, the whole family supports EJ in every way, as the close and lovely family they all are. The series lasted just six episodes. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. Earvin Johnson III (born June 4, 1992) is an American television personality and socialite who is also the son of Magic Johnson.EJ JohnsonNationalityAmericanOccupationTelevision personality, socialite, fashion commentatorMagic Johnson (parent) Earlitha Kelly (mother)2 more rowsMagic Johnson Magic Johnson Kids A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Dec 18, 2015 at 12:53pm PST. 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. Please respect my privacy and my process., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on May 4, 2016 at 12:39pm PDT. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Turner sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson shared photo of son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33. } He did have a fashion blog, but it no longer exists. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. Magic Johnson Retirement: Why Did Magic Johnson Retire - ClutchPoints "I feel like I wasn't cut out for it," she told SSENSE Magazine in April 2017. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. Spencer Lieb is a HIV/AIDS research coordinator with The AIDS Institute. However, EJ had already discussed his sexual orientation with his family. In honor of Father's Day last year, he posted a photo of Magic, Cookie, Gigi, and Andre, along with a heartfelt tribute. "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). Cookie said, Look in the mirror. I said, Youre right. Because Im proud of who I am. But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. Magic Johnson Apologized to His Son EJ Johnson After EJ - Sportscasting 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. I feel like this is the body that Im supposed to be in, he said in a 2019 interview. Put on my outfit. Andre, EJ, and Elisa have taken on very different career paths. New York, Youve got to support your child. HIV is now considered a chronic health condition that can be managed with the right drugs and a healthy lifestyle. Magic Johnson Net Worth 2022, Salary & Endorsements - Sportskeeda Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get 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. Therapists say it can damage your connection. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. "I like myself the way that I am. Johnson was first called "Magic" when he was a star at Everett High School. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. 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. EJ Johnson is a media personality and socialite best known as Magic Johnson's son. ", Elisa ultimately decided not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. And I will," Johnson wrote. Im very happy with myself. (Image credit: YakubovAlim via Getty Images). But I don't feel incomplete in that way. He retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 after revealing that he had tested positive for. Legit.ng recently published Emily Faye Miller's biography. 2:38 PM EDT, Sat October 30, 2021. We're gonna be fine. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie E.J. Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. Go do my, Magic Johnson Discusses His Son's Coming Out. 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. Who is Magic Johnson's Youngest Son EJ Johnson? - Parade: Entertainment Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and our family. Magic Johnson's Son EJ Flaunts Curves and Strong Legs in a - AmoMama As fashionable and fashion-forward as he is, Johnson does not have a fashion line. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. This latency of HIV allows some infected cells to escape immune detection and elimination, and these latently infected cells constitute the viral reservoir," wrote Nathan W. Cummins, MD and Andrew D. Badley, MD for Mayo Clinic Proceedings (opens in new tab) in 2015. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. 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. He has a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Leeds. The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. 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. What's the real deal with EJ Johnson? 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. EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. Miller is an English model . Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. Everything has gone right. And he got it from me, Magic told Varietyin April 2022. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Magic Johnson - Early Life, Net Worth, Stats & Rings - Players Bio Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, EJNYC, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and most recently The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder are just a few of the TV programs in which EJ has made appearances. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. 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. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. What You Don't Know About Magic Johnson's Son EJ - NickiSwift.com He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, sports, gaming and more with his friend Mike Dupree. "I said that because I had tested HIV-positive, I was retiring from the NBA. 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 . Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. Maybe you've seen him on his E! "Even in the summer, you had you 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 performance. He is currently based in Bournemouth, UK. We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including Michael, who suffered . He lived up to that promise by making regular appearances, giving interviews and being an activist for HIV and AIDS organisations. I like my body. 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. 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. Walton was fired and the team eventually hired former Pacers and Magic coach Frank Vogel to . "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. 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. Upon graduation, he worked in A&R for five years at Elektra Entertainment with artists like Jay Z, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani. 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. EJs mom said that her husband was worried about his son living his life in a world that would not understand him. "I say dance around in your closet when no one is looking until the time is right," he toldBET, advising readers to "just make sure you're safe." I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. 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. Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. When did Magic Johnson have his son? Yet it was his charisma, especially at his precocious age, that floored. Truth about Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas is that even friendship can 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. 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. That's what happened with Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas, whose relationship began to deteriorate after the Lakers and Pistons met in back-to-back NBA Finals in 1988 and 1989. "As we talk today, right now, I'm thinking, 'Wow' its been 30 years and I'm still here, healthy. I'm just very comfortable in my own skin. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. 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. Magic Johnson dominated the court as one of professional basketball's best players for 13 years. "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". ESPN and Fox aired primetime tributes to Johnson's son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33 after a lifelong struggle with muscular dystrophy. Take on my day. Magic Johnson's 3 Kids: Everything to Know - people.com But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. Ernie Johnson's son Michael dies at age of 33 | CNN