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. 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. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. The first enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, turns the virus' genetic instructions encoded in a single RNA strand into double-stranded DNA. EJ said, I like myself the way that I am. The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. All Rights Reserved. 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 has previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. According to E! Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. Oh, snap. 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. 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. "I was told not to say anything about him kissing me, but he did. However, it was not a shock to his parents. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is best-known for his skills on the basketball court, but he's also a devoted family man. "I was just like, 'Well, do I want to transition? I like my body.. Since EJ came out in 2013 he has set his own path in the transgender pop-culture. [emailprotected]. Also joining them were Cookie's mom, sister, and their nephew. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for GLAAD). I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. He actually helped me get there. (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". Here [in the United States] I do not experience that much racism, I feel like that's probably more prevalent before I was born.". The U.S. would go on to capture the gold medal in overwhelming fashion, and Magics beaming smile might otherwise have been a symbol of his triumph. Upon graduation, he worked in A&R for five years at Elektra Entertainment with artists like Jay Z, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani. I love everything about it." TMZ Sportspublished the last known paparazzi photo of the pair in 2017 and called Alcaraz Elisa's "quasi-boyfriend." ", 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. "I said that because I had tested HIV-positive, I was retiring from the NBA. 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. Cookie Johnson was worried about Magic, but supportive. 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. EJ went on to say, "Now, since everybody's talking about Caitlyn Jenner and being transgender, people are so quick to say, 'Oh, just because you're dressing like that means that you're going to transition to become a woman.'". The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of [] AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.. Go do my, Magic Johnson Discusses His Son's Coming Out. "I never thought that I'd look this good, and that is the God's honest truth. 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. Johnson confessed in an interview: I think it's all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. I feel like this is the body Im supposed to be in. Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. 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. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). (Image credit: Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO via Getty Images). He shared that it was his mother who taught him a lot about brands like Chanel and Versace. He became a household name when he appeared on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, and got his spinoff show called EJNYC. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti. The transformed, soon-to-be NYU grad and son of Magic Johnson showed off his new look on Good Day New York. "We love him and EJ is amazing, so you gotta support your child. 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. When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! Surprisingly, Johnson has seen great success personally and professionally, in part by reflecting on the words of a childhood friend, Reggie Chastine, who died while they were in high school. "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. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Today he is becoming a fashionista who is looking to give a stronger voice to the transgender community through his own experience. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. When he spoke to The New York Times about the incident in 2017, he noted that TMZ reached out to his father for a comment on the photos of his son holding hands with another young man. ", 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." Would love your thoughts, please comment. 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. According to Celebrity Net Worth, EJ Johnson has an estimated $5 million net worth. At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Johnson was a mountain of a man, the biggest, most powerful point guard anyone had ever seen. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . #EJNYC premieres tomorrow night at 11 only on E! You can also learn about some of the cancers we're still battling and why they're so challenging. Its still the toughest thing Ive ever had to do in my life: @MagicJohnson says that he hated having to tell his wife about his HIV diagnosis. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. EJ was a guest host on Fashion Police and has filledin on E! 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. 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. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. On Mother's Day this year, he shared a photo on Instagram of his entire family celebrating, including his three kids and grandkids. Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. Watch! Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. "This guy we adopted from Romania in 1991 and diagnosed with. Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He also shared some insight into his diet and exercise routine. 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. Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. He has six siblings and three half-siblings, all of whose names are unknown. 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. The date was November 7, 1991. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." 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. 2. "I always had dreams and plans of doing my own thing and creating my own image, so it came a little sooner than I thought it would but this is still something I knew I would be going through and would have to experience.". 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. 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. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. AboutPressCopyrightContact. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. The series lasted just six episodes. Jennifer Lopez, Magic Johnsons Son Rump Shake in San Tropez https://t.co/ZAaXbYEnks pic.twitter.com/djPolv14Wz, ? When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents. 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. 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. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. NY 10036. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. 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). The rising reality star is the son of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. "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. Cookie revealed that she noticed her son was different since he was a little boy, however, she thought he would grow out of it, but it happened the opposite. I Image: Getty Images. 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. "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." "I told her how I was feeling and she obviously told me that she had known and always would love me anyway," he said during an interview with "Gwissues" host Howard Bragman (via ESPN). The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. All Rights Reserved. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. "The school called my mom and was like, 'We don't know if you want him to do the book report, because it talks about the H.I.V.,'" EJ said, adding, "I think it was at that point that they told me that he had been sick and he's a lot better.". Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder of progressive muscular weakness, which typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. According to research and estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in new tab), as of 2019 about 1.18 million Americans have HIV, and 13 percent of them are undiagnosed. The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. Magic Johnson, Cookie Johnson and EJ Johnson attend "To Kill A Mockingbird" Broadway Opening Night at Shubert Theatre on December 13, 2018 in New York City. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnson's kids total to two. 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. This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. His clothing showed more skin after he dropped more than 100 pounds after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in 2014. Johnson wanted to bring Starbucks to the inner city, and he had to convince Schultz that his coffee shops would prosper there. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". Earvin Johnson III (born June 4, 1992) is an American television personality and socialite who is also the son of Magic Johnson.EJ JohnsonNationalityAmericanOccupationTelevision personality, socialite, fashion commentatorMagic Johnson (parent) Earlitha Kelly (mother)2 more rowsMagic Johnson Magic Johnson Kids Since EJ Johnsons sexual orientation has become public, his famous father has appeared in interviews speaking out about the importance of embracing children for who they are. "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". 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. Despite indicating the doctors told him there was no risk of transmission, Johnsons return during the 1992 preseason was frowned upon. On that autumn day, Johnson announced he had HIV. sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. Since his fathers relationship with HIV, as a spokesperson and being positive himself, EJ was introduced to gay culture from a very early age, so he has longtime been related to the activism and discrimination that surrounds it.