Find out why exercise can be important to mental health too. 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. 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. But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. The NBA star and businesswoman, who met in college, have been together on and off for over 40 years and. Sorry tabloids: EJ is just busy being himself. 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. 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. 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. In fact, it was made out of the same material, and the styling was near-identical. EJ was a guest host on Fashion Police and has filledin on E! His son EJ was born shortly, making headlines before he was even born. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. Therapists say it can damage your connection. Please respect my privacy and my process., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on May 4, 2016 at 12:39pm PDT. is amazing, he added. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. That doesn't mean it was always easy, however. The 62-year-old was first drafted on the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and continued to play for them for 13 seasons.. 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. For more entertainment and celebrity news sent to you directly, sign up for our daily newsletter. "I walk in the office and he started talking about the test," Johnson says. 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. Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. 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. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills"was simultaneously canceled. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. They claimed the pair were an official item. This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. 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). Maybe you've seen him on his E! Researchers have developed a number of powerful drugs to help people like Johnson block and contain the virus. ", EJ concluded, "I don't feel the need to transition. 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. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. "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.". "We love him and EJ is amazing, so you gotta support your child. Originally published on Live Science on 04 March 2022 and updated on 24 August 2022. 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. But then, I moved to New York to go to college and when he came back to visit, he picked me up for dinner and he hugged me so hard, he almost broke my back, and then at that point, I was like, 'We're gonna be okay.' She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. He'd come up with stupid rules: 'No scarves in the house.' 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. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. 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. When he was younger, he would love to play with dolls. The year was 2010, and scarves were in. 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. ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. All Rights Reserved. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. EJ turned 30 on Saturday and marked the occasion with a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park . Discovery Company. 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. 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. 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. When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. 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 . The star had some questions of his own especially surrounding Caitlyn Jenner's abovementioned Vanity Fair cover. ", EJ also gave advice to closeted young people who might be looking to his lifestyle as a road map for their own. In addition to EJ, the Johnsons adopted Elisa Johnson when she was three days old in 1995. Earlier this year, Magic and Cookie Johnson's 20-year-old son, EJ, caused a stir when TMZ videotaped him walking down Sunset Boulevard holding hands with a male friend. We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. 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. I Image: Getty Images. 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. The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. It cant be wrong. 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. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. It is a day in history when people too young to remember will inevitably ask their elders why Magic Johnson retired. He was unhappy with his portrayal on the show, saying, "I don't even recognize that person. 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. During the life cycle of the virus, HIV integrates into the host DNA. Magic often posts about his wife and kids on social media, but heres a closer look at his relationship with EJ, and how he has been the catalyst that changed Magic for the better. 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. 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. I love the attention. ", Regardless, EJ admits his loved ones' support helped ground him. '", "Why Language Matters: Facing HIV Stigma in Our Own Words". The NBA regular season had just started, with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looking to defend their championship. Magic Johnson was on hand to celebrate his son EJ Johnson's milestone birthday over the weekend. "I've always been very fashion-forward," he said in an episode of "EJNYC" (via Us Weekly). I like my body.. Continue to change and educate the world! So, if you're wondering what exactly happened back then, we've got you covered. 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. 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. Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. He has previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . ", According to E! "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? Despite indicating the doctors told him there was no risk of transmission, Johnsons return during the 1992 preseason was frowned upon. "And he just could not stand it. PerBET, the show was "not completely ratchet with hair pulling and fighting," but let's be honest, it wasn't exactly "Masterpiece Theater," either. 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. if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { 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. It was seemingly just like any other in basketball circles. Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. 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. Public and private medical insurance, as well as various assistance programs, make the medicines more affordable and available to the vast majority of patients in the United States and other parts of the world. In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. You need to get creative.". Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. EJ (Earvin Johnson III) can relate to this all too well. 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. Next, meet the MVP in Michael Jordans life, his wife Yvette Prieto. On this Nov. 7, legendary Lakers point guard Earvin Magic Johnson stunned the entire world when he announced that he had contracted the HIV virus, and would be retiring from NBA immediately. 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.' Magic Johnsonis one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. And he got it from me, Magic told Varietyin April 2022. However, thanks to advancements in antiretroviral drugs and management of the condition, the 63-year-old continues to thrive in his roles as a sports analyst, businessman and HIV activist more than 30 years later. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. 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. Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. Magic posts about his wife and kids often on social media. 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. 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. He was like this when he was a baby, it cant be wrong. How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? Furthermore, a low viral load severely reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Magic's oldest son, Andre, was born in 1981, two years after his father first joined the NBA. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. Since EJ came out in 2013 he has set his own path in the transgender pop-culture. "I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do," he said on "Gwissues." I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. 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 role as an influencer is a staple in his work that is grounded in gender-flouting. "I read a story where you went to him and said . We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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. 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. The reality series followed the eponymous star, sister Elisa Johnson, and their high-class crew living their best lives in the Big Apple. "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 attended New York University where he studied hospitality with a focus on event planning and design, according to various different profiles. Heres how it works. ': What Happened to the Stars of the Iconic Series through the Years, Dwyane Wade's Trans Daughter Knew Her Gender Identity at 3 & Revealed Her Boyfriend at 14 Inside Zaya's Life, Millionaire's Son Kicks Wife and Baby Out into the Cold, Loses His Inheritance the Next Day Story of the Day, Twins Send Dad to Nursing Home, Learn He Left Inheritance to Janitor Who Is Their Carbon Copy Story of the Day. "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. 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. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. EJ Johnson has long thought about taking a stab at the fashion industry. Im very happy with myself. 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. His two kids with Cookie, EJ Johnson and Elisa Johnson, are now in their 20s and are making names for themselves in two very different careers, and Magic's oldest child, 40-year-old Andre Johnson, from his relationship with Melissa Mitchell, is now a dad of his own. Take on my day. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. By Barbara Pavone / Updated: Aug. 3, 2021 7:23 pm EDT. The actor's personal life has made headlines as well. According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . 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. Johnson says meeting her as a girl changed his life. ", 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." Magic Johnson holding the Walter A. Magic Johnson has three children. An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. "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. But perhaps the most resonating phrase from Johnson that day is this: Im going to go on, Im going to beat it, and and Im going to have fun.. It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. She was 26 years old when she was found dead above the Major Deegan Expressway. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. Yet through all the ups and downs, he remains the same bubbly person he has always been. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. Updated Magic Johnson, whom they drafted in 1979, was a vital cog in their championship runs. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. HIV spreads by hijacking a subset of white blood cells called CD4 cells or T cells, which are the body's first line of defense against foreign invaders, and using the cells' DNA to make copies of itself or replicate; in this process, these T cells get destroyed, according to Healthline (opens in new tab). 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. 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. He was given the nickname by a sports writer who had just seen the 15-year-old prepster notch 36 points, 16 rebounds. The HIV-AIDS epidemic began in earnest in the 1980s, but there was still very little knowledge as to how the disease was contracted or what it meant in terms of contagiousness and long-term impact. Where is Magic Johnson from? 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.". 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. Are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?" The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. She said, That was a very hard thing for me. Magic even posted on social media how proud he was of EJs new role. The name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. He was 33. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { 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. Johnsons friends and rivals all embraced him on the floor, as if the barriers initially created by the disease had been totally wiped away. A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Dec 18, 2015 at 12:53pm PST. 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 . Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. "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. 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. EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. Interestingly enough, EJ spilled all the inside tea when he appeared on Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk. "This guy we adopted from Romania in 1991 and diagnosed with. Either way, there's no doubt that this celebrity kid gets a lot of attention. "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. Andre also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! 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. Story highlights. 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 ); The series lasted just six episodes. Both were recently reunited for debut of . I dont feel the need to transition. In 1995, the Johnson family adopted Elisa Johnson when she was a baby. 2:38 PM EDT, Sat October 30, 2021. 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. EJ dropped the bombshell during an episode of "EJNYC," where he claimed that Elisa's then-boyfriend, French model Anthony Alcaraz, was the same guy he had previously kissed in a club. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { 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. (Image credit: YakubovAlim via Getty Images). EJ Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Transitioning | Just The Sip | E! As it turns out, he was planning on publicly revealing his sexuality anyway.
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