Originally published on Live Science on 04 March 2022 and updated on 24 August 2022. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, sports, gaming and more with his friend Mike Dupree. [emailprotected]. The Truth About Magic Johnson's Relationship With His Son EJ He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. During his career as an NBA player, Johnson's annual salary was around $24 million, an amount . EJ said, I like myself the way that I am. TNT broadcaster Ernie Johnson's son dead at 33 - New York Post EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magics life. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. The NBA regular season had just started, with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looking to defend their championship. That was a very, very hard thing for me. Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. Johnson, 37, and his wife of 13 years, Chastity, were . if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { 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. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). "I like myself the way that I am. Andre is married to Lisa Meyers Johnson, and has two kids, Gigi and Avery. 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. She was 26 years old when she was found dead above the Major Deegan Expressway. Johnson Reveals 100+ Weight Loss on Good Day NY! ", 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." During the conversation, EJ, who came out as gay in . Magic posts about his wife and kids often on social media. "It's almost like they're attacking me for being me and so to that I can only say, 'Well, I can only be myself, so I don't know really what you want me to do,'" he said. About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. EJ was a guest host on Fashion Police and has filledin on E! Heres how it works. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. I feel like this is the body that Im supposed to be in, he said in a 2019 interview. She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. "I walk in the office and he started talking about the test," Johnson says. But 30 years later, the NBA legend is still pursuing his passions, with Cookie by his side. show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, which aired from 2014 to 2016. 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. I get these every night, every game, he said. "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.". "I've always been very fashion-forward," he said in an episode of "EJNYC" (via Us Weekly). 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. Medication can disrupt these processes, and to that end, Johnson is currently taking reverse transcriptase inhibitor and protease inhibitor drugs, which are contained in the pharmaceuticals Trizivir and Kaletra, respectively, according to the Daily Beast. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. 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." "I read a story where you went to him and said . Magic Johnson Retirement: Why Did Magic Johnson Retire - ClutchPoints In the photos, he is elegantly posing next to a pool wearing a blue mini-dress that fits him just right. The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. Maybe you've seen him on his E! What happened to Cleveland's Magic Johnson Theatre seen on Apple TV's From the highlights from Magics career, but the evolution of Johnson as a person including his role as a husband and father. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. Magic Johnson on Learning to Accept His Gay Son EJ: 'He - Variety Andre Johnson is a businessman, podcaster, and proud father of two. 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. Yet it was his charisma, especially at his precocious age, that floored. When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents. "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. 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. He was like this when he was a baby, it cant be wrong. ", "It's a totally new mindset," EJ told Page Sixthat September. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. He also shared some insight into his diet and exercise routine. Rather than deny the existence of his boyfriend, the then-20-year-old star rolled with the punches. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. Surprise! EJ Johnson Boyfriend Issue - Openly Gay Roots From Dad How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? | Live Science On that autumn day, Johnson announced he had HIV. Also joining them were Cookie's mom, sister, and their nephew. Legends profile: Magic Johnson | NBA.com Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. Johnson attended New York University, studying hospitality with a focus on event planning and design. The first enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, turns the virus' genetic instructions encoded in a single RNA strand into double-stranded DNA. 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. ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. 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. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. The gender-fluid fashionista is always flaunting his amazing wardrobe. All Rights Reserved. Magic Johnson has three children. Like her mom and brother EJ, Elisa is interested in fashion, and launched her own sunglass line in 2021. As of this writing in 2022, EJ has not launched his own fashion line, but we're certainly keeping an eye out for it. Magic does have a relationship with his son EJ. For more entertainment and celebrity news sent to you directly, sign up for our daily newsletter. But being a fashion icon on the making has not to stop EJ from being a loving family guy with his parents and siblings. It cant be wrong. The date was November 7, 1991. It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. Everything has gone right. Twenty-five years ago today, Magic Johnson announced he had HIV Brown championship trophy after winning the NBA title in 1980 with the Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, it was made out of the same material, and the styling was near-identical. Michael Johnson, son of Ernie Johnson, dies at 33 | Sporting News "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills"was simultaneously canceled. On the red carpet, the Johnsons also ran into Samuel L. Jackson, and posed for photos with the Academy Award-winning actor.. After the show, both Magic and his wife raved about the Broadway show . He pressed a finger to a small, pinkish hole on his thigh that was developing into a scab. 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. "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". During the life cycle of the virus, HIV integrates into the host DNA. This guy we adopted from Romania in 1991 and diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy lived a miraculous life of 33 years, the TNT anchor said in an Instagram post that included a photo of Michael. 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). Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. Magic Johnson, whom they drafted in 1979, was a vital cog in their championship runs. Story highlights. section: | slug: magic-johnson-opens-up-on-living-with-hiv-30-years-after-his-diagnosis | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | And he got it from me, Magic told Varietyin April 2022. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. 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. Of course, the revelation about Magic Johnson's diagnosis said to be the result of an extra-marital affair led to a significant period of turmoil for the family. It was sad. Please disable your ad blocker to view the video content. "We love him and EJ is amazing, so you gotta support your child. ': 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. Magic Johnson and His Family Including Son EJ - Yahoo! Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. EJ Johnson was born on June 4, 1992. At the time, EJ was still a student at New York University. 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. It's just business as usual and that business is his family. 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. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. (Image credit: YakubovAlim via Getty Images). After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. 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. } 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. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. (Image credit: Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO via Getty Images). Magic Johnson | Biography, Documentary, & Facts | Britannica I love the attention. 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. Sometimes it's hard being in the middle, kind of in the gray area in my own lane." 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 Tragic Death of Magic Johnson's Best Friend Inspired Him for Years He was 33. Therapists say it can damage your connection. I never really thought it was under investigation. Cookie said, Look in the mirror. I said, Youre right. Because Im proud of who I am. EJ Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Transitioning | Just The Sip | E! We are grieving and at the same time so grateful for having been witnesses to a miraculous 33 years with michael. Go do my, Magic Johnson Discusses His Son's Coming Out. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? The next day, he apologized to his son as he emotionally told him they would get through this. She said, That was a very hard thing for me. Magic Johnson played in five of Los Angeles eight preseason games that year, but he officially called it quits on Nov. 3, 1992 after an outpouring of criticism and concern from players and executives around the league. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. His style is androgynous, from ankle boots, sheer tops, diamond chokers, and furs to feminine with dresses with thigh-high slits. 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. "Even in the summer, you had you I also said that I was going to become a spokesperson in the fight against the human immunodeficiency virus and an advocate for practicing safe sex by using condoms. Today. Not only has Magic Johnson carried on the way he likely envisioned prior to a premature retirement, but also he remains one of the games best ambassadors. They should probably start highlighting people who are doing it in the streets, as opposed to whatever celebrity they're putting in a skirt for five seconds just for publicity.". From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. I don't feel the need to do that. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. 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. He also questioned if EJ was sure he knew what he was saying. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus. This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. He became a household name when he appeared on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, and got his spinoff show called EJNYC. Is this something that I would do?' Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot in 1991, one year before the Los Angeles Lakers player retired. Sorry tabloids: EJ is just busy being himself. 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. "We were just so astonished at the things he was saying, and not just that he brought my dad into it, but the fact that he was being just blatantly racist. Magic added that he just needed more time. Magic Johnson Death News Trending On Internet: What Happened To Him Im just very comfortable in my own skin. is amazing, he added. Magic Johnson On Gay Son EJ: 'I Was Just Waiting On Him To Tell Me He was unhappy with his portrayal on the show, saying, "I don't even recognize that person. 6-keys: media/spln/nba/reg/free/stories, at "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. 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. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic. The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. The girl who changed Magic Johnson | CNN Magic was born on 14 August 1959 in Lansing, Michigan, U.S.He is the son of Earvin Sr., who was a General Motors assembly worker, and Christine Johnson, who was a school janitor.. An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. 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. Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. 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. 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. ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! 2023 Cable News Network. Magic Johnson and EJ have a great relationship, but theyre also open about the work it took to get there when EJ first came out. RELATED:See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star. Awood "Mr. Magic" Johnson, a rapper best known for his work in the 90's on the No Limit Records label, has died. "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). ", EJ concluded, "I don't feel the need to transition. 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. "I said that because I had tested HIV-positive, I was retiring from the NBA. Magic Johnson's Change Of Heart: From Homophobia To Pride Cookie Johnson was worried about Magic, but supportive. It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. 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.