He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. Magic was diagnosed with HIV 45 days after Cookie and Magic married, and their lives were permanently transformed. 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). You have to be prepared for people to say certain things about you, and it just wasn't for me. According to a 2021 profile of Magic, his mother, a devout Christian, felt the nickname was "blasphemous.". In addition to EJ, the Johnsons adopted Elisa Johnson when she was three days old in 1995. Both were recently reunited for debut of . 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. We're very proud of him." Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie E.J. Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. Magic does have a relationship with his son EJ. However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. "And he just could not stand it. reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. (The series was canceled after the first season. I feel like this is the body Im supposed to be in. Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. It is not known if Johnson is among this "scarce breed," as Lieb called them, but more than likely "without medications, he'd be progressing.". Reality TV star E.J. I'm just very comfortable in my own skin. He also takes great pride in his skills and talents as a make-up artist. An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. On Mother's Day this year, he shared a photo on Instagram of his entire family celebrating, including his three kids and grandkids. 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. 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. "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. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. Take on my day. And I will," Johnson wrote. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? RELATED:See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star. "I never thought that I'd look this good, and that is the God's honest truth. Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. The actor's personal life has made headlines as well. 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. In 2017, EJ Johnson got candid with The New York Times about his sports star father's very public journey with HIV, which began when EJ's mother was two months pregnant with him. "I read a story where you went to him and said . "I feel like I wasn't cut out for it," she told SSENSE Magazine in April 2017. Walton was fired and the team eventually hired former Pacers and Magic coach Frank Vogel to . While Magics decision to retire was clear enough, the implications were still rather unknown. 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. He is a television personality, socialite and actor. 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. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. Our deepest condolences are with Cheryl, Ernie and their family, friends and loved ones as we mourn with them, the statement read. 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. In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. Updated A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Dec 18, 2015 at 12:53pm PST. You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. } else { Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." After four seasons, he'd also appeared on "Fashion Police" and worked as a red-carpet special correspondent, and the network gave EJ his own spin-off called "EJNYC" in 2016. He is currently based in Bournemouth, UK. The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. A Warner Bros. In response to the headlines, Magic said, Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. 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. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. 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. RELATED:See Charles Barkley's Only Daughter All Grown Up. "The surgery was definitely the best thing that ever happened to me," the star said. 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. By knowing and enjoying his privileged life, he has been part of Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, for four seasons, and then on his own spinoff called EJNYC, which lasted only 6 episodes. 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. Johnson Reveals 100+ Weight Loss on Good Day NY! Cookie Johnson, Magic's wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. Both she and her . 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. 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. We've come across little random tidbits maybe, obviously when I'm in different parts of the world and other countries, things are different," he claimed. "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 said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. EJ told Jada Pinkett Smith in an April 2019 episode of Red Table Talk that dating was hard because of his famous father. 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). "Yeah, racism, not so much. 2023 Cable News Network. ", "It's a totally new mindset," EJ told Page Sixthat September. I also said I was going to beat the disease. Miller is an English model . According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. She's following in her mother's footsteps in more ways than one. Sunday marks the 30th anniversary of Magic Johnson's decision to retire from basketball upon learning he had been diagnosed with HIVone of the biggest, most impactful moments for . The rising reality star is the son of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson. Put on my outfit. Earvin went to Everett High School in Michigan for the duration of his high school experience, despite their basketball team . Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. Presenting your official soundtrack to falling (or staying) in love. 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. It happened," he said (via theDaily Mail). 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". 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. I get these every night, every game, he said. It cant be wrong. 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. Are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?" Cookie Johnson, Magics wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. But I don't feel incomplete in that way. Interestingly enough, EJ spilled all the inside tea when he appeared on Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk. The series lasted just six episodes. Because he was so proud. 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. Despite indicating the doctors told him there was no risk of transmission, Johnsons return during the 1992 preseason was frowned upon. He is now flexing his acting chops in With Love and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder revival. But 30 years later, the NBA legend is still pursuing his passions, with Cookie by his side. On Nov. 8, 1991, the day after the Los Angeles Lakers star announced he had been diagnosed with the virus, Mark Heisler of the Los Angeles Times (opens in new tab) wrote: "Many people [diagnosed] with HIV live many years with few serious effects on their health. (Image credit: Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO via Getty Images). That pretty much says all we really need to know. When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! News in 2018 that he had no plans to transition. 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. The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. 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. Magic Johnson has three children. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and our family. 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. There was one drug then, now we have 30-something drugs.". Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, EJNYC, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and most recently The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder are just a few of the TV programs in which EJ has made appearances. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-72659260-1&cid=3f04818d-0c52-47fe-9dbf-229a559738e6&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=8719156970272511032'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); A subset of integrated HIV provirus remains transcriptionally silent, producing neither viral proteins nor viral progeny, until reactivation by various physiologic stimuli. All Rights Reserved. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); 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. It was seemingly just like any other in basketball circles. When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. According to E! Magic added that he just needed more time. 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. In 2014, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, a reality series following lives of some of the richest kids. COMING OUT . EJ Johnson was born to his famous parents on June 4, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California. Early Childhood and Education. 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. TMZ Sportspublished the last known paparazzi photo of the pair in 2017 and called Alcaraz Elisa's "quasi-boyfriend." Watch! "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". EJ Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Transitioning | Just The Sip | E! News' "Just the Sip" in 2019 (via People). "I was told not to say anything about him kissing me, but he did. By Barbara Pavone / Updated: Aug. 3, 2021 7:23 pm EDT. It is a day in history when people too young to remember will inevitably ask their elders why Magic Johnson retired. 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. Johnson began to speak out and he has never retreated. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. The NBA regular season had just started, with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looking to defend their championship. Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. Heres how it works. 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. Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. 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. This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. The longtime Inside the NBA host said via Twitter, We are grieving and at the same time so grateful for having been witnesses to a miraculous 33 years with michael., A post shared by Ernie Johnson (@ernie.johnson). It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. 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.. One of Johnson's doctors who helped pioneer the treatment placed him on the then-experimental drug cocktail in 1994, about a year and a half before it came into widespread use in 1996, according to the Daily Beast (opens in new tab). "The key moment was when Cookie took the test and the results came back that her and the baby was fine [sic]," the retired NBA star told Gayle King. 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. 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). AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. ", EJ concluded, "I don't feel the need to transition. 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. 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 honor of Father's Day last year, he posted a photo of Magic, Cookie, Gigi, and Andre, along with a heartfelt tribute. Andre also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. xhr.send(payload); "Even in the summer, you had you NBA legend Magic Johnsons son, EJ Johnson, is on his way of becoming a fashion icon as well as a voice for the transgender community. He was given the nickname by a sports writer who had just seen the 15-year-old prepster notch 36 points, 16 rebounds. 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.