After receiving criticism for not publicly mourning his friend on social media. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. Next, meet the MVP in Michael Jordans life, his wife Yvette Prieto. "High ART costs are among many structural barriers that lead to poor treatment access and adherence, contributing to suboptimal HIV outcomes in the United States," according to a report published by JAMA Internal Medicine (opens in new tab) in 2020. is amazing, he added. "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.". Discovery Company. "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. When the former professional basketball player was diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (opens in new tab) in 1991, a lack of understanding and stigmatization surrounding the virus (opens in new tab) led to questions being raised over his future life prospects. ", Elisa ultimately decided not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. 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. His clothing showed more skin after he dropped more than 100 pounds after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in 2014. Upon graduation, he worked in A&R for five years at Elektra Entertainment with artists like Jay Z, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani. 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. 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 was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZ essentially outed him, per TheThings. I think its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. 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. Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. 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. EJ Johnson was born to his famous parents on June 4, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California. 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. When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents. EJ is an openly gay graduate of New York University who has appeared on his own reality shows. appreciated. 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. 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. EJ Johnson's bio: age, height, net worth, and weight loss The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. The transformed, soon-to-be NYU grad and son of Magic Johnson showed off his new look on Good Day New York. Though his first reaction may not have been perfect, he definitely seems to be in a better place now. 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. 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"I read a story where you went to him and said . Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder of progressive muscular weakness, which typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Therapists say it can damage your connection. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for GLAAD). When and How Did Magic Johnson Get HIV? - The Cinemaholic 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. How Magic Johnson got Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz to partner - CNBC EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. 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. READ ALSO: Emily Faye Miller's bio: life before and after Too Hot To Handle. Johnson, now 60, is currently the CEO and the founder of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), an investment conglomerate valued at an estimated $1 billion dollars, according to its website. He revealed on the season finale of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" that he'd lost about 180 pounds since the procedure. Continue to change and educate the world! This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. ESPN's Chris Fowler spoke over a video montage . Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. As it turns out, he was planning on publicly revealing his sexuality anyway. Magic Johnson's Change Of Heart: From Homophobia To Pride Immediately after learning of the talented 63-year-old basketball player's passing, hundreds of fans began posting condolence notes on the Facebook page. I could really feel the love. Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas squash decades-long feud in tearful All Rights Reserved. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. "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. 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! It cant be wrong. "I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do," he said on "Gwissues." Maybe you've seen him on his E! Im just very comfortable in my own skin. Cookie Johnson, Magics wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.". 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Magic Johnson son EJ talks coming out to his father - Yahoo! Andre is married to Lisa Meyers Johnson, and has two kids, Gigi and Avery. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Despite indicating the doctors told him there was no risk of transmission, Johnsons return during the 1992 preseason was frowned upon. Magic Johnson Investments He has had partnerships previously with Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, T.G.I Fridays, and AMC Theatres. While Magics decision to retire was clear enough, the implications were still rather unknown. ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! Inside The Lives Of Magic Johnson's Children - NickiSwift.com '", "Why Language Matters: Facing HIV Stigma in Our Own Words". The fact that the gay man is the son of legendary NBA player, Magic Johnson . Magic does have a relationship with his son EJ. Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. 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. She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. The Truth About Magic Johnson's Relationship With His Son EJ "I'm completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle." He is known for wearing both men's and womens clothing and putting his own spin on it. But 30 years later, the NBA legend is still pursuing his passions, with Cookie by his side. "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. He pressed a finger to a small, pinkish hole on his thigh that was developing into a scab. Interestingly enough, EJ spilled all the inside tea when he appeared on Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk. 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. spinoff, EJNYC, which followed his life as he moved to New York City. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie E.J. Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . He was 33. And we love him. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. Crediting dad Magic Johnson for giving him the following advice, EJ recalled, "Make sure you check your surroundings and be you, do you, but make sure you're not putting yourself in dangerous situations where you could get hurt.". 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. Also joining them were Cookie's mom, sister, and their nephew. BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: (L-R) EJ Johnson and Lea Michele speak onstage during the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 28, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. And that trumped everything," Cookie Johnson said. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); He has a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Leeds. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Cheryl and their family during this difficult time.. 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.". 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. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much All Rights Reserved. ESPN and Fox aired primetime tributes to Johnson's son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33 after a lifelong struggle with muscular dystrophy. ", EJ also gave advice to closeted young people who might be looking to his lifestyle as a road map for their own. xhr.send(payload); You need to get creative.". Magic Johnson's 3 Kids: Everything to Know - people.com Magic Johnson has three children. Because he was so proud. Nowadays, EJ Johnson seems to be living his dreams. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. The rising reality star is the son of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson. 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. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. Magic Johnson, whom they drafted in 1979, was a vital cog in their championship runs. His brother, Andre Johnson has a different mother. Today, two of the six original Magic Johnson-branded theaters remain open, in Harlem in New York City and suburban Washington, D.C., though he doesn't own either of them. Photo: Getty Images They were one of the greatest NBA teams to ever take the hardwood. (Image credit: YakubovAlim via Getty Images). "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". Please respect my privacy and my process., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on May 4, 2016 at 12:39pm PDT. But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. His boardroom pitch wasn't enough to win Schultz over, so he . In 2013, EJ was outed by TMZ. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. Magic Johnson has had a very busy life, from his days in college to his NBA tenure and everything that happened between that and the things he had to live after calling it a career. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. He is currently based in Bournemouth, UK. Originally published on Live Science on 04 March 2022 and updated on 24 August 2022. He lived up to that promise by making regular appearances, giving interviews and being an activist for HIV and AIDS organisations. EJ singled out the show's producers, claiming, "Everyone was just worried about me being 'relatable,' and even that word made me want to gag.". RELATED:See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star. The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. 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. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. In 1991, Cookie was pregnant with EJ when Magic announced to the world that he was HIV positive. 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 Says He's 'So Proud' of Son EJ: 'He's Saving a Lot of 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. In June, Andre posted a photo of his familystep mom Cookie includedat Gigi's sixth-grade graduation. The gender-fluid fashionista is always flaunting his amazing wardrobe. In his own way, he is becoming a fashion reference and an example for the transgender community. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021.