I'm just very comfortable in my own skin. All Rights Reserved. I dont feel the need to transition. Needless to say, basketball legends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson ceased being true friends a long time ago. 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. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZessentially outed him, per TheThings. Im very happy with myself. He was 33. 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Ive never done anything on television that is this honest and real, he shared in an Instagram post promoting the segment. 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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 . Magic Johnson dominated the court as one of professional basketball's best players for 13 years. 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. EJ told the Times, The school called my mom and was like, We dont know if you want him to do the book report, because it talks about the H.I.V., I think it was at that point that they told me that he had been sick and hes a lot better., In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2016, EJs mother admitted that she struggled to come to terms with her son coming out. TMZ Sportspublished the last known paparazzi photo of the pair in 2017 and called Alcaraz Elisa's "quasi-boyfriend." Andre also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. Johnson wanted to bring Starbucks to the inner city, and he had to convince Schultz that his coffee shops would prosper there. I like my body. Milan is currently in a relationship withtrans reality star and beauty influencer Lauryn England. I love the attention. Andre, EJ, and Elisa have taken on very different career paths. 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. Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. The doctor told him to immediately fly back to Los Angeles, but wouldn't tell him why. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. The story of how the Lakers won a title in his first season and went on to win many more over the next decade is chronicled in HBO's latest series, 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.' "This guy we adopted from Romania in 1991 and diagnosed with. Things got rocky after the socialite was outed in 2013 when TMZposted a video of him holding hands with his then-boyfriend. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. Brown championship trophy after winning the NBA title in 1980 with the Los Angeles Lakers. The singer's two younger daughters are his little lookalikes. Nowadays, EJ Johnson seems to be living his dreams. Michael, who suffered . RELATED:See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star. 6-keys: media/spln/nba/reg/free/stories, at 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. 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. 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. 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. He has the support of his family including his father, Magic Johnson. ?Brandon Scoop B Robinson (@ScoopB) September 4, 2019. That doesn't mean it was always easy, however. 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. For more entertainment and celebrity news sent to you directly, sign up for our daily newsletter. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. 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. 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'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. About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. 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. Both were recently reunited for debut of . Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. Speculation about the couples possible relationship began to circulate after they were spotted having lunch together. It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. The HIV-AIDS epidemic began in earnest in the 1980s, but there was still very little knowledge as to how the disease was contracted or what it meant in terms of contagiousness and long-term impact. Though his first reaction may not have been perfect, he definitely seems to be in a better place now. 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. I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. He became a household name when he appeared on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, and got his spinoff show called EJNYC. One thing, of course, was very clear: there had been infidelity on Johnsons part. But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. There's [sic] so many factors. I like my body.. 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. Maybe you've heard about him on the internet or in a tabloid headline. The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. RELATED:See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. Here is what you need to know about EJ Johnson: A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 5, 2018 at 2:48pm PDT, EJs mother was two months pregnant with her son when Magic Johnson revealed to the world that he had tested positive for HIV in November 1991. #teamthis, A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 18, 2016 at 2:44pm PDT. Indeed, Magic made one more brief comeback with the Purple and Gold during the 1995-96 season, and he has served in a variety of roles for the Lakers ever since. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. Randy Chrisley Is Todd Chrisley's Brother Who Was Diagnosed with Cancer in 2014, Johnny Depp's Weight Gain & Changes in Appearance over the Years, 'Whos the Boss? ", 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. pic.twitter.com/JFTbV0U9YZ. 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. For Magic Johnson, supporting his gay son Earvin Johnson III, known as "E.J.," wasn't even a question. ESPN's Chris Fowler spoke over a video montage . The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti. 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. Find out why so many people want to know about the famous father-son duo and why Magic apologized to EJ several years ago. After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. 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. The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. 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 . I dont feel the need to transition. See Magic Johnson's Three Children All Grown Up Today, See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star, See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up, eyewear was designed by the youngest Johnson, See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star, See Charles Barkley's Only Daughter All Grown Up. 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. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. Immediately after learning of the talented 63-year-old basketball player's passing, hundreds of fans began posting condolence notes on the Facebook page. In response to the headlines, Magic said, Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. Since Dec. 2018, he's been the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games. Johnsons friends and rivals all embraced him on the floor, as if the barriers initially created by the disease had been totally wiped away. https://t.co/RQM9OCSd77. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. Legit.ng recently published Emily Faye Miller's biography. Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. Cookie Johnson, Magic's wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. 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 has appeared in multiple TV shows such as Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, EJNYC, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and most recently The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. 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. The star initially came out to his mother when he was a teenager. His full name is Earvin Johnson III, but he goes by EJ professionally. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? Continue to change and educate the world! Magic's oldest son, Andre, was born in 1981, two years after his father first joined the NBA. In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. 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. 10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021, How mental health affects physical health, "They told me that the three-drug combination was going to save my life, and they were right," Johnson told The Guardian (opens in new tab) in 2021. I could really feel the love. Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get Story highlights. "Magic got a jumpstart on experimental drugs before they were released to the general public," Lieb told Life's Little Mysteries, "but there were many people in clinical trials benefitting at the same time.". I don't feel that I'm in the wrong body. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. But some small number remain, and over time, those HIV cells replicate, attacking the immune system in seven stages, according to the National Institute of Health (opens in new tab)'s HIV info page. Lieb said that in the state of Florida alone, hundreds of patients have lived full lives since being diagnosed with HIV in the early 1980s, when the first confirmed AIDS cases were confirmed in the United States (opens in new tab). 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.. If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing He is known for wearing both men's and womens clothing and putting his own spin on it. When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! Magic Johnson has remained a central part of the Lakers franchise in his life since, serving as a coach and executive, as well as a player when he came out of retirement for the 1996 season. In 1992, he returned to play in the All-Star Game, not without some opposition, and later that year played on America's "Dream Team" in the. 2023 Cable News Network. He also appeared on Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart. The transformed, soon-to-be NYU grad and son of Magic Johnson showed off his new look on Good Day New York. 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. Andre Johnson is a businessman, podcaster, and proud father of two. In 1977, he met Earlitha . Please respect my privacy and my process., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on May 4, 2016 at 12:39pm PDT. During the life cycle of the virus, HIV integrates into the host DNA. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Cheryl and their family during this difficult time.. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. He has six siblings and three half-siblings, all of whose names are unknown. He is now flexing his acting chops in With Love and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder revival. 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. When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. EJ said its hard to date, lamenting, "It's always been a struggle. I never really thought it was under investigation. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus. (The series was canceled after the first season. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. 2:38 PM EDT, Sat October 30, 2021. Magic Johnson's remarkable life was thrown into question after he was diagnosed with HIV. Johnson Reveals 100+ Weight Loss on Good Day NY! EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZ essentially outed him, per TheThings. He has previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E!