We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. The actor's personal life has made headlines as well. He was unhappy with his portrayal on the show, saying, "I don't even recognize that person. In 2017, rumors began to circulate about a possible romantic relationship between EJ and Christopher Milan, a former Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star. During his career as an NBA player, Johnson's annual salary was around $24 million, an amount . "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. Nov 6, 2021. 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. So, if you're wondering what exactly happened back then, we've got you covered. 01 Mar 2023 15:17:10 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. "I like myself the way that I am. Turner sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson shared photo of son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33. 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. When he was younger, he would love to play with dolls. Hes a businessman and podcaster. "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). News' "Just the Sip" in 2019 (via People). 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. The son of an autoworker, Johnson earned his nickname "Magic" in high school for his creative and entertaining ballhandling. He shared that it was his mother who taught him a lot about brands like Chanel and Versace. Magic Johnson's net worth is currently estimated to be about $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his son will continue to put the work in and have a positive relationship. READ ALSO: Emily Faye Miller's bio: life before and after Too Hot To Handle. 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. section: | slug: magic-johnson-opens-up-on-living-with-hiv-30-years-after-his-diagnosis | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. I like my body.. 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. The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of [] AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.. His father took a while to come around to the news. 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. 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. 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. First of all, the celebrity thing who are you here for, are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?, In August 2018, EJ lost his best friend, Lyric McHenry, to a drug overdose. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV.'". EJ Johnson was born on June 4, 1992. According to E! "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and our family. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." And I will," Johnson wrote. His boardroom pitch wasn't enough to win Schultz over, so he . Find out why exercise can be important to mental health too. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. ", 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. However, it was not a shock to his parents. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. Although the unfortunate response to Johnsons condition will forever be somewhat of a black mark on the NBAgranted, HIV was a mostly unknown diseaseit is interesting to look back at some of the phrases and words Johnson used during his first retirement press conference in 1991. An insider told ET,"The cast was upset because they wanted at least one more season to give closure to their storylines," but it sounds like EJ was ready to be done with all things E! Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. Spencer Lieb is a HIV/AIDS research coordinator with The AIDS Institute. '", "Why Language Matters: Facing HIV Stigma in Our Own Words". EJ said, Its always been a struggle. EJ Johnson's fans aren't the only ones who speculated about his gender identity, however. 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.. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. E.J. 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. 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. 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.' 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. He also shared some insight into his diet and exercise routine. It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. In an interview with The New York Times, he admitted that his mom suspected he may have been gay and tried to initiate the conversation in the past. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. Early Childhood and Education. You need to get creative.". The star initially came out to his mother when he was a teenager. Both she and her . 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. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. Upon graduation, he worked in A&R for five years at Elektra Entertainment with artists like Jay Z, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani. In June, Andre posted a photo of his familystep mom Cookie includedat Gigi's sixth-grade graduation. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . 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. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. Johnson was first called "Magic" when he was a star at Everett High School. All Rights Reserved. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. EJ is 62, just seven inches shorter than his father Magic. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. Yet it was his charisma, especially at his precocious age, that floored. In the photos, he is elegantly posing next to a pool wearing a blue mini-dress that fits him just right. From the highlights from Magics career, but the evolution of Johnson as a person including his role as a husband and father. Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. To see what Magic Johnson's three children are up to and to learn more about the tight-knit Johnson family, read on. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.". She said, That was a very hard thing for me. ". 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. It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. The gender-fluid fashionista is always flaunting his amazing wardrobe. EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. EJ's mom said that her husband was worried about his son living . He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. He appeared on CNNs This Is Life in 2018 and opened up about his identity. EJ, 30, came out. "Yeah, racism, not so much. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. He also appeared on Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. He retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 after revealing that he had tested positive for. Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot in 1991, one year before the Los Angeles Lakers player retired. Presenting your official soundtrack to falling (or staying) in love. Since EJ came out in 2013 he has set his own path in the transgender pop-culture. I enjoyed the Trump presidency more than I should have but sense that I'll be paying the bill by having to explain to the kiddos what really happened. Jennifer Lopez, Magic Johnsons Son Rump Shake in San Tropez https://t.co/ZAaXbYEnks pic.twitter.com/djPolv14Wz, ? 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. Andre, EJ, and Elisa have taken on very different career paths. 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. 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." sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. 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. "Even in the summer, you had you 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. "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." reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." Earvin went to Everett High School in Michigan for the duration of his high school experience, despite their basketball team . There was one drug then, now we have 30-something drugs.". 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. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. He was given the nickname by a sports writer who had just seen the 15-year-old prepster notch 36 points, 16 rebounds. 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. Upon infection with HIV, a person's immune system kills off nearly all of the virus and infected cells. "Scarves were really big for men's fashion," EJ explained. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. 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. The NBA star and businesswoman, who met in college, have been together on and off for over 40 years and. RELATED: See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star. During the conversation, EJ, who came out as gay in . He actually helped me get there. 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 | [emailprotected]. But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. 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. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! According to a 2021 profile of Magic, his mother, a devout Christian, felt the nickname was "blasphemous.". He was cast in the first season of E! He'd come up with stupid rules: 'No scarves in the house.' 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. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. Magic Johnson was on hand to celebrate his son EJ Johnson's milestone birthday over the weekend. I dont feel the need to transition. "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 . "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. He has six siblings and three half-siblings, all of whose names are unknown. 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. 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. Speculation about the couples possible relationship began to circulate after they were spotted having lunch together. You can also learn about some of the cancers we're still battling and why they're so challenging. EJ told the New York Times in 2017 that he learned about his fathers diagnosis while doing a book report and finding a book about his father in the library while in elementary school. "They Call Me Magic" offers a rare glimpse into the incredible real-life story of Johnson, who left his mark on history through his work both on and off the court and continues to impact our culture today. https://t.co/RQM9OCSd77. However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. 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. Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. Take on my day. Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. Magic Johnson has three children. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! Mar 3, 2013 - 5:20 am. 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. show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, which aired from 2014 to 2016. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. Theres so many factors. 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. His full name is Earvin Johnson III, but he goes by EJ professionally. I feel like this is the body Im supposed to be in. } "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. "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. 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. But being a fashion icon on the making has not to stop EJ from being a loving family guy with his parents and siblings. 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. And now, she is the owner of her own self-titled sunglasses company, Elisa Johnson. We're gonna be fine. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. 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. 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. Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. "We love him and EJ is amazing, so you gotta support your child. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti. Story highlights. He said on an interview: I guess youre just floating in the spectrum, youre not really defined by any gender confines if you will, Im just EJ.. Its given me a whole new view on life. But 30 years later, the NBA legend is still pursuing his passions, with Cookie by his side. (Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) "It. Johnson attended New York University where he studied hospitality with a focus on event planning and design, according to various different profiles.
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