EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. Early Childhood and Education. During his career as an NBA player, Johnson's annual salary was around $24 million, an amount . Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. ", Elisa ultimately decided not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. As of this writing in 2022, EJ has not launched his own fashion line, but we're certainly keeping an eye out for it. But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. EJ, 30, came out. 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. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic. "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. The familys love, faith and commitment to one another will forever be an inspiration to us. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. The fact that the gay man is the son of legendary NBA player, Magic Johnson . "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. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. The youngest of the group, Elisa, was adopted by the Johnsons in 1995 when she was just three days old. His style is androgynous, from ankle boots, sheer tops, diamond chokers, and furs to feminine with dresses with thigh-high slits. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. ", 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." Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. NY 10036. #teamthis, A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 18, 2016 at 2:44pm PDT. 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. News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. 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. 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. E.J. EJ turned 30 on Saturday and marked the occasion with a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park . 2023 Cable News Network. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. "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. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. He is an openly gay man who champions the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. He is known for wearing both men's and womens clothing and putting his own spin on it. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Im just very comfortable in my own skin. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. 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. If one thing's for sure, it's that he's got all the makings of a star, but he's forging his own path away from his father's fame. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. 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. 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. On Mother's Day this year, he shared a photo on Instagram of his entire family celebrating, including his three kids and grandkids. In 1977, he met Earlitha . pic.twitter.com/JFTbV0U9YZ. 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. 12:46 pm ET, Bucks vs. 76ers odds, picks, computer sims, Morant to miss 'at least' two games after IG post, NBA DFS picks, lineups, advice, March 4 strategy, Grizzlies' Clarke out for season with Achilles injury, Raptors vs. Wizards odds, picks, computer sims, Streaking Warriors must overcome one major roadblock, Magic Johnson opens up on 30 years with HIV, Window for Durant, Suns is open -- until it's not, Morant to miss two games after video with gun, Nuggets beat Grizz, likely lock up West's top spot, Randle's game-winner runs Knicks' win streak to eight, Celtics booed off floor after blowing 28-point lead. 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." In 2015, EJ lost over 100 pounds and had surgery to remove excess weight. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. Reality TV star E.J. 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. 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.. But Magic knew that for E.J., coming out to his parents, which happened years ago,. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { 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. However, Magic's playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned that he tested positive for HIV. EJ told the Times, The school called my mom and was like, We dont know if you want him to do the book report, because it talks about the H.I.V., I think it was at that point that they told me that he had been sick and hes a lot better., In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2016, EJs mother admitted that she struggled to come to terms with her son coming out. 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. 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. This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. According to E! "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. However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. But I don't feel incomplete in that way. Magic Johnson Investments He has had partnerships previously with Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, T.G.I Fridays, and AMC Theatres. Michael Johnson, the son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, has died, his father announced Friday night. Brown championship trophy after winning the NBA title in 1980 with the Los Angeles Lakers. 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.' Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. And I will," Johnson wrote. Therapists say it can damage your connection. [emailprotected]. Were getting a closer look into the life and career of NBA legend Magic Johnson with They Call Me Magic streaming on Apple TV+. Magic had been married to his wife, Cookie, not more than two months before he made his announcement, and questions surrounded Johnsons sexuality as a result. Related:Meet Quincy Isaiah, the Michigan Man Playing Magic Johnson in HBO Maxs Winning Time. Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. "I was just like, 'Well, do I want to transition? EJ launched a now-defunctfashion blog in 2014. 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. "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. 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. 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. I also said I was going to beat the disease. 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. However, Magic revealed in that press conference that his biggest fan was less than thrilled. Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. Earvin went to Everett High School in Michigan for the duration of his high school experience, despite their basketball team . I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. (Image credit: Focus On Sport / Contributor via Getty Images), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021, How mental health affects physical health, Ancient Roman 'spike defenses' made famous by Julius Caesar found in Germany, Watch footage of 1,000 baleen whales in record-breaking feeding frenzy in Antarctica, New Hubble footage shows exact moment a NASA spacecraft slammed into an asteroid 7 million miles from Earth, Cosmic rays reveal 'hidden' 30-foot-long corridor in Egypt's Great Pyramid, Upside-down anglerfish and other alien oddities spotted in one of the world's deepest trenches, Lab-grown minibrains will be used as 'biological hardware' to create new biocomputers, scientists propose, Insect that flings pee with a butt catapult is 1st known example of 'superpropulsion' in nature, Unknown lineage of ice age Europeans discovered in genetic study, Otherworldly 'fairy lantern' plant, presumed extinct, emerges from forest floor in Japan, The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universe, Subscribe today and save an extra 5% with checkout code 'LOVE5', Engaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviews, Issues delivered straight to your door or device, "Magic Johnsons Career Ended by HIV-Positive Test" by Mark Heisler, "Facts About HIV: Life Expectancy and Long-Term Outlook", "New HIV Diagnoses and People with Diagnosed HIV in the US and Dependent Areas by Area of Residence, 2019", "Magic Johnson: the NBA superstar who smashed HIV stigma then built a huge fortune" by Oliver Laughland, "HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Costs in the United States, 2012-2018". Though his first reaction may not have been perfect, he definitely seems to be in a better place now. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. 01 Mar 2023 15:17:10 It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. I Image: Getty Images. 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. 2:38 PM EDT, Sat October 30, 2021. "I feel like I wasn't cut out for it," she told SSENSE Magazine in April 2017. 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.". To see what Magic Johnson's three children are up to and to learn more about the tight-knit Johnson family, read on. Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. In 1991, Cookie was pregnant with EJ when Magic announced to the world that he was HIV positive. EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. Yet even without modern drugs, in rare instances a person living with HIV can manage on their own to keep AIDS at bay. To these days, the whole family supports EJ in every way, as the close and lovely family they all are. Michael Jordan Once Rejected an Epic $1 Million 1-on-1 Matchup Against Magic Johnson. '", "Why Language Matters: Facing HIV Stigma in Our Own Words". Magic Johnson dominated the court as one of professional basketball's best players for 13 years. 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. Turner sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson shared photo of son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33. The series lasted just six episodes. He also shared some insight into his diet and exercise routine. It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. Andre Johnson is a businessman, podcaster, and proud father of two. Apple today unveiled the teaser trailer for "They Call Me Magic," premiering April 22 on Apple TV+. EJ Johnson was born on June 4, 1992. He also questioned if EJ was sure he knew what he was saying. Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. 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. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. EJ added, "I'm fortunate that I'm in a world where I can do what I want to do and walk down the street in whatever I want to wear and break those walls down. "I was told not to say anything about him kissing me, but he did. 6-keys: media/spln/nba/reg/free/stories, at Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get The son of an autoworker, Johnson earned his nickname "Magic" in high school for his creative and entertaining ballhandling. RELATED:See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! "I really think it's important that you not listen to so many fads; you really need to find what works for you," the "EJNYC" star explained, going on to note, "But that doesn't mean you're done after that because you don't like what's hot. Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. 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. During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. Please disable your ad blocker to view the video content. The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. 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. As I grew older, as my wife talked to me, I couldnt [judge EJ]. In honor of Father's Day last year, he posted a photo of Magic, Cookie, Gigi, and Andre, along with a heartfelt tribute. I feel like this is the body Im supposed to be in. That was a very, very hard thing for me. 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. 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.. Johnsons friends and rivals all embraced him on the floor, as if the barriers initially created by the disease had been totally wiped away. For Magic Johnson, supporting his gay son Earvin Johnson III, known as "E.J.," wasn't even a question. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. The origins of Magic Johnson's nickname date back well before Winning Time episode 1's story, as it began when he was in high school. As fashionable and fashion-forward as he is, Johnson does not have a fashion line. ", 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. ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. 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. RELATED:See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. 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 Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. Heres how it works. 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. As it turns out, he would be one of the foremost voices in educating the public, including the notion that heterosexuals could contract the disease. 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. On its website, the company says that the eyewear was designed by the youngest Johnsonand every pair "reflects Elisa's style." Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. In 1995, the Johnson family adopted Elisa Johnson when she was a baby. 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. "I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. Since EJ came out in 2013 he has set his own path in the transgender pop-culture. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. His clothing showed more skin after he dropped more than 100 pounds after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in 2014. is amazing, he added. 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. Are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?" The singer's two younger daughters are his little lookalikes. 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. In addition to EJ, the Johnsons adopted Elisa Johnson when she was three days old in 1995. EJ ultimately decided to come out before beginning college at New York University (NYU). Both she and her . 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. ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. 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. He lived up to that promise by making regular appearances, giving interviews and being an activist for HIV and AIDS organisations. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. However, it was not a shock to his parents. We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. 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. scientific studies and medical journals. He actually helped me get there. Related: Winning Time: Why Magic Johnson Is At The Doctor's In 1991 & What Happened. 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. Am I gonna die? Johnson wanted to bring Starbucks to the inner city, and he had to convince Schultz that his coffee shops would prosper there. ", Regardless, EJ admits his loved ones' support helped ground him. In scientific terms, this mode of replication classifies HIV as a retrovirus, hence "antiretroviral" drugs. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. Immediately after learning of the talented 63-year-old basketball player's passing, hundreds of fans began posting condolence notes on the Facebook page. Because there are so many people who try to discriminate against them, so they need you to support them.