} This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. 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. "It helped people who were living with not just HIV and AIDS, but with any disease, that you can live on, you can be live a productive life.". 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. Are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?" Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. In 2017, rumors began to circulate about a possible romantic relationship between EJ and Christopher Milan, a former Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star. "I always wanted to come into the spotlight," EJ told the YouTube talk show "Gwissues" shortly after (via ESPN). He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, sports, gaming and more with his friend Mike Dupree. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. "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. It was sad. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie E.J. Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. What Happened To Magic Johnson's Son Johnson's son, EJ III, born Earvin Johnson III was born on June 4th 1992 in Beverly Hills, California. So if you dont support them, whos going to support them and love them?, Despite being openly interested in gender-fluid fashion, EJ told E! "I'm completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle." ?Brandon Scoop B Robinson (@ScoopB) September 4, 2019. "The surgery was definitely the best thing that ever happened to me," the star said. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". } ); 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. I love everything about it." Spencer Lieb is a HIV/AIDS research coordinator with The AIDS Institute. In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. The star even garnered comparisons to Kim Kardashian in 2016 when he attended a wedding wearing a netted jumpsuit that looked like a dress she had worn to Cannes Lion the previous summer. "I've always been very fashion-forward," he said in an episode of "EJNYC" (via Us Weekly). How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". Am I gonna die? News' "Just the Sip" in 2019 (via People). The star revealed he was "almost 100 percent positive" that a transition was out of the cards. 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. During his career as an NBA player, Johnson's annual salary was around $24 million, an amount . "My ignorance could cost me my life, but I wanted to try and ensure that no one else would become infected with HIV for the same reason" Johnson wrote in Sports Illustrated (opens in new tab) on November 18, 1991. But while Jordan and the Bulls began the year healthy and optimistic, the Los Angeles Lakerswho were the Western Conference representatives in the 1991 NBA Finalswere about to be blindsided. I love the attention. 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. Apple today unveiled the teaser trailer for "They Call Me Magic," premiering April 22 on Apple TV+. Researchers continue to study long-term nonprogressors to get insights on HIV resistance that could help the 37.7 million people battling the virus, the current estimate of UNAIDS according to HIV.gov (opens in new tab). In response to the headlines, Magic said, Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. 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. Michael, who suffered . 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. As fashionable and fashion-forward as he is, Johnson does not have a fashion line. EJ (Earvin Johnson III) can relate to this all too well. I dont feel the need to transition. You have to be prepared for people to say certain things about you, and it just wasn't for me. "I'm ready to go. That was a very, very hard thing for me. 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). So, if you're wondering what exactly happened back then, we've got you covered. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. Magic recalls their first meeting some 20 years ago as a moment that further focused his commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness : "Hydeia means the world to me," Johnson said. In 1995, the Johnson family adopted Elisa Johnson when she was a baby. However, EJ had already discussed his sexual orientation with his family. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. Earvin went to Everett High School in Michigan for the duration of his high school experience, despite their basketball team . "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. "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." The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. "You mean he just let his son in law run everything Dad?" "Yes because he was Jewish." "Are Jews magic Dad?" "Sure are," I say. He has six siblings and three half-siblings, all of whose names are unknown. When TMZ featured EJ Johnsons boyfriend, some were surprised to learn that he is gay. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder of progressive muscular weakness, which typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Needless to say, basketball legends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson ceased being true friends a long time ago. When did Magic Johnson have his son? "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. 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. Not only does a low viral count stave off symptoms of HIV and AIDS, but it also slashes the odds of a randomly mutated copy of the virus emerging that can prove resistant to the therapy. I never really thought it was under investigation. He lived up to that promise by making regular appearances, giving interviews and being an activist for HIV and AIDS organisations. 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. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. EJ said, I like myself the way that I am. He did have a fashion blog, but it no longer exists. 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. Magic does have a relationship with his son EJ. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. Walton was fired and the team eventually hired former Pacers and Magic coach Frank Vogel to . (Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) "It. This seemed all the more evident during the 1992 Olympics, when Johnson joined Team USA as a member of the famed Dream Team in Barcelona. "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? 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. "I love you and enjoy your day to rest.". "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". The 62-year-old was first drafted on the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and continued to play for them for 13 seasons.. Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. He retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 after revealing that he had tested positive for. He also appeared on Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart. 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. Maybe you've heard about him on the internet or in a tabloid headline. Were getting a closer look into the life and career of NBA legend Magic Johnson with They Call Me Magic streaming on Apple TV+. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. ", According to E! It happened," he said (via theDaily Mail). When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. 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. His style is androgynous, from ankle boots, sheer tops, diamond chokers, and furs to feminine with dresses with thigh-high slits. I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. He is an openly gay man who champions the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. 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. He shared that it was his mother who taught him a lot about brands like Chanel and Versace. I feel like this is the body that Im supposed to be in, he said in a 2019 interview. 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. In 2015, EJ lost over 100 pounds and had surgery to remove excess weight. 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. The star had some questions of his own especially surrounding Caitlyn Jenner's abovementioned Vanity Fair cover. Johnson says meeting her as a girl changed his life. } else { And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . Discovery Company. EJ said the reaction to his sexuality varied from positive to extremely harsh, but it doesn't look like he gave his haters too much attention. Please respect my privacy and my process., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on May 4, 2016 at 12:39pm PDT. at that point. 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. ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. The NBA tweeted that the league mourns the passing of Michael Johnson., Michael was admired by so many around the league for his remarkable courage and perseverance. His brother, Andre Johnson has a different mother. Hes a businessman and podcaster. EJ, 30, came out. Related: Try Dopamine Dressing With 20 New Looks. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". Interestingly enough, EJ spilled all the inside tea when he appeared on Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk. She's following in her mother's footsteps in more ways than one. Legit.ng recently published Emily Faye Miller's biography. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. He was like this when he was a baby, it cant be wrong. America's Favorite Gay Newsman: Openly Gay Anderson Cooper Split With Restauranter Partner; Boyfriend Still Family. 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." document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { It cant be wrong. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. He was 33. Upon infection with HIV, a person's immune system kills off nearly all of the virus and infected cells. I'm just very comfortable in my own skin. From the highlights from Magics career, but the evolution of Johnson as a person including his role as a husband and father. In honor of Father's Day last year, he posted a photo of Magic, Cookie, Gigi, and Andre, along with a heartfelt tribute. "I was told not to say anything about him kissing me, but he did. I like my body..