Oh, snap. 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. 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. Magic Johnson's remarkable life was thrown into question after he was diagnosed with HIV. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. "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. I feel like this is the body I'm supposed to be in. In 1995, the Johnson family adopted Elisa Johnson when she was a baby. He did have a fashion blog, but it no longer exists. READ ALSO: Emily Faye Miller's bio: life before and after Too Hot To Handle. Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. The 62-year-old was first drafted on the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and continued to play for them for 13 seasons.. 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.". When asked about the fashion industry's embrace of more androgynous styles and expression, EJ said, "I don't think the fashion world has made any type of major huge strides, where we need to start commending anybody yet. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. Johnson attended New York University, studying hospitality with a focus on event planning and design. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of [] AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.. Also joining them were Cookie's mom, sister, and their nephew. She was 26 years old when she was found dead above the Major Deegan Expressway. EJ Johnson was born on June 4, 1992. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . EJ (Earvin Johnson III) can relate to this all too well. "My ignorance could cost me my life, but I wanted to try and ensure that no one else would become infected with HIV for the same reason" Johnson wrote in Sports Illustrated (opens in new tab) on November 18, 1991. In scientific terms, this mode of replication classifies HIV as a retrovirus, hence "antiretroviral" drugs. Furthermore, a low viral load severely reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. 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 How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? She said, That was a very hard thing for me. The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. The next day, he apologized to his son as he emotionally told him they would get through this. He was like this when he was a baby, it cant be wrong. Michael Jordan Once Rejected an Epic $1 Million 1-on-1 Matchup Against Magic Johnson. Is this something that I would do?' Sometimes it's hard being in the middle, kind of in the gray area in my own lane." As I grew older, as my wife talked to me, I couldnt [judge EJ]. Our deepest condolences are with Cheryl, Ernie and their family, friends and loved ones as we mourn with them, the statement read. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. 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 . I like my body. ", Regardless, EJ admits his loved ones' support helped ground him. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. "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. This was the first time he was out in public as gay. 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? Please disable your ad blocker to view the video content. 2023 Cable News Network. Magic's oldest son, Andre, was born in 1981, two years after his father first joined the NBA. While some of Johnsons Dream Team mateslike Charles Barkleysupported the idea of Johnson returning to the NBA, otherssuch as Utah Jazz forward Karl Maloneshowed outward concern (from the Nov. 1, 1992 edition of the New York Times): Look at this, scabs and cuts all over me, Malone, the Utah Jazz All-Star forward, said last Tuesday night in the visitors locker room at Madison Square Garden before a preseason game against the Knicks. EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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 am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do," he said on "Gwissues." But then, I moved to New York to go to college and when he came back to visit, he picked me up for dinner and he hugged me so hard, he almost broke my back, and then at that point, I was like, 'We're gonna be okay.' Magic Johnson has three children. His approach acted as a "public-health catalyst," wrote Alexander Cardazzi, Joshua C. Martin, and Zachary Rodriguez in their 2021 paper "Information Avoidance and Celebrity Exposure: The Effect of "Magic" Johnson on AIDS Diagnoses and Mortality in the U.S. (opens in new tab)" for West Virginia University, as they attempted to quantify the impact his announcement in 1991 had on heterosexual men getting tested for HIV. 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. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Cheryl and their family during this difficult time.. Yet it was his charisma, especially at his precocious age, that floored. During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. 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. EJ, 30, came out. "I walk in the office and he started talking about the test," Johnson says. We're gonna be fine. An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. 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. Admit it, these tracks are so good, you actually thought they were originals. EJ launched a now-defunctfashion blog in 2014. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. Photo: Getty Images They were one of the greatest NBA teams to ever take the hardwood. Today. How and When Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? "I've always been very fashion-forward," he said in an episode of "EJNYC" (via Us Weekly). 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). 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. [emailprotected]. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. The rising reality star is the son of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. The reality series followed the eponymous star, sister Elisa Johnson, and their high-class crew living their best lives in the Big Apple. In 2018, EJ Johnson and his mom Cookie Johnson made an appearance on Willow and Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk, where Cookie revealed that when EJ came out to his parents, it was a little tough because Magic Johnson wasnt supportive at first. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! Maybe you've seen him on his E! Here [in the United States] I do not experience that much racism, I feel like that's probably more prevalent before I was born.". EJ told the New York Times in 2017 that he learned about his fathers diagnosis while doing a book report and finding a book about his father in the library while in elementary school. And we love him. Magic, 63, says his son, whom he shares with his wife Cookie Johnson, "is so beloved all over the world" as a television personality and as an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. Besides recognizing himself as a gender-fluid person, he has also been known for enjoying his lavish way of living. But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. On its website, the company says that the eyewear was designed by the youngest Johnsonand every pair "reflects Elisa's style." When did Magic Johnson have his son? 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. Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. Michael, who suffered . having their privacy invaded by paparazzi, some were surprised to learn that he is gay, Magics wife made sure to let him know that his reaction wasnt OK, has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender. 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. Former New York Yankees All Star Alex Rodriguez, CBS This Mornings Gayle King, NBA on TNTs Kenny The Jet Smith, ESPN First Takes Stephen A. Smith, NBA Hall of Famer and Detroit Pistons point guard Isiah Thomas and former New York Knicks coach, Mike Woodson were some of the notables in attendance at the party. Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. 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 mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." His brother, Andre Johnson has a different mother. Nonetheless, Jenner's transition raised questions among some of Johnson's fans. But I don't feel incomplete in that way. Michael Johnson, the son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, has died, his father announced Friday night. Reality TV star E.J. His role as an influencer is a staple in his work that is grounded in gender-flouting. RELATED: See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star. Magic Johnsonis one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. News, The "#RichKids of Beverly Hills" alum opens up about the type of men he's attracted to, his father Magic Johnson and his late friend Lyric McHenry. EJ Johnson has long thought about taking a stab at the fashion industry. Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. 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. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. HIV is now considered a chronic health condition that can be managed with the right drugs and a healthy lifestyle. When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. From the highlights from Magics career, but the evolution of Johnson as a person including his role as a husband and father. The name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. Brown championship trophy after winning the NBA title in 1980 with the Los Angeles Lakers. 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. "I'm completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle." 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. 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. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. 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. According to Celebrity Net Worth, EJ Johnson has an estimated $5 million net worth. It cant be wrong. He lived up to that promise by making regular appearances, giving interviews and being an activist for HIV and AIDS organisations. The star had some questions of his own especially surrounding Caitlyn Jenner's abovementioned Vanity Fair cover. ", EJ concluded, "I don't feel the need to transition. News' "Just the Sip" in 2019 (via People). It was kind of like an 'aha moment,' the realization that people like that still exist," EJ told The Daily Beastthat same year, adding, "He's a walking joke. The singer's two younger daughters are his little lookalikes. ", 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. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. "I'll Deal With It: HIV Has Forced Me To Retire, But I'll Still Enjoy Life As I Speak Out About Safe Sex," by Magic Johnson, "Magic Johnson opens up about his health, career 30 years after HIV diagnosis: 'You just sit there and say, what does this mean? It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. Maybe you've heard about him on the internet or in a tabloid headline. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. One thing, of course, was very clear: there had been infidelity on Johnsons part. During a period when Magic and Cookie had broken up, he dated a woman named Melissa Mitchell, with whom he had a son, Andre, on Feb. 20, 1981. Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. E.J. News' recap, EJ urged his sister to call it quits with Alcaraz, and it looks like she eventually heeded his advice. RELATED:See Charles Barkley's Only Daughter All Grown Up. Shortly thereafter, EJ did his first coming out interview on Gwissues with Howard Bragman. They cant tell you that youre not at risk, and you cant tell me theres one guy in the N.B.A. 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. Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. Walton was fired and the team eventually hired former Pacers and Magic coach Frank Vogel to . 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." Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. Magic had been married to his wife, Cookie, not more than two months before he made his announcement, and questions surrounded Johnsons sexuality as a result. 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 think its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. Because he was so proud. Did you encounter any technical issues? "I never thought that I'd look this good, and that is the God's honest truth. Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. 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. who hasnt thought about it.. 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. He was 33. } else { Miller is an English model . Theres so many factors. But Magic knew that for E.J., coming out to his parents, which happened years ago,. 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. Heres how it works. You can also learn about some of the cancers we're still battling and why they're so challenging. Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. Johnson Reveals 100+ Weight Loss on Good Day NY! Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. "I love you and enjoy your day to rest.". Rather than deny the existence of his boyfriend, the then-20-year-old star rolled with the punches. At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Johnson was a mountain of a man, the biggest, most powerful point guard anyone had ever seen. ", A few years later, EJ finally put the public speculation to rest. PerBET, the show was "not completely ratchet with hair pulling and fighting," but let's be honest, it wasn't exactly "Masterpiece Theater," either. Since Dec. 2018, he's been the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games. By Barbara Pavone / Updated: Aug. 3, 2021 7:23 pm EDT. There's [sic] so many factors. 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 . Related:Meet Quincy Isaiah, the Michigan Man Playing Magic Johnson in HBO Maxs Winning Time. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magics life. Originally published on Live Science on 04 March 2022 and updated on 24 August 2022. Related: Try Dopamine Dressing With 20 New Looks. 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. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. EJ's mom said that her husband was worried about his son living . 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. In. 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.. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. 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. Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. 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. I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. Presenting your official soundtrack to falling (or staying) in love. On "Oprah's Next Chapter," Cookie and Magic open up about how they learned their son was gay and why their love is unconditional. More from Magic Johnsons Interview and Chat with the Ellen Show below: Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic Johnson told Ellen. (The series was canceled after the first season. He is a television personality, socialite and actor. "I'm ready to go. Old Lady Adopts Lost Little Boy with Note in His Pocket, His Mother Returns after 13 Years Story of the Day, Man Kicks His 60-Year-Old Wife Out of the House after Learning Shes Pregnant with Triplets Story of the Day, Wanting to Be a Lifeguard Like Late Dad, Boy Saves Drowning Girl & Gets a Box from Her Mom Later Story of the Day, Mark Wahlberg Wants to Devote More Time to Parenting in Private & Asks Record $87.5M for His LA Mansion, Woman Takes Bullet for Strangers Son, His Dad Attends Funeral and Meets 9 Crying Kids There Story of the Day, Every Day Woman Sees Old Man with Boy on the Shore, Once They Dont Show Up and She Gets Worried Story of the Day, Young Man Who Never Knew His Parents Pushes Father Away, Learns about His Will Months Later Story of the Day, Woman Divorces Husband of 36 Years after Their Only Son Finds Out He Has a Brother Story of the Day, Eric Christian Olsen Was Mean to Wife When They Met - She Was Not Impressed by Him Either, Stepson Mocked by Adoptive Parents & Their Children Finds Letters They Hid from Him Story of the Day, Man Can't Become a Dad for Years, Refuses to Adopt until He Sees the Kid from His Childhood Vision, Old Man Finds Kid in Cold Forest and Learns She Is His Granddaughter He Never Knew About Story of the Day, Grandparents Kick Pregnant Teen Out in the Cold, Years Later They Ask For Her Help Story of the Day, Man Follows Wife Who Sneaks Out Every Night and Catches Her Visiting a Huge Mansion Story of the Day. Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. Earvin went to Everett High School in Michigan for the duration of his high school experience, despite their basketball team . His son EJ was born shortly, making headlines before he was even born. New York, You have to be prepared for people to say certain things about you, and it just wasn't for me. Johnsons friends and rivals all embraced him on the floor, as if the barriers initially created by the disease had been totally wiped away. Nov 6, 2021. Upon graduation, he worked in A&R for five years at Elektra Entertainment with artists like Jay Z, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani. "I read a story where you went to him and said . 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. Johnson began to speak out and he has never retreated. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); 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. xhr.send(payload); In 2015, EJ lost over 100 pounds and had surgery to remove excess weight. Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. It's just business as usual and that business is his family. "The man that led me on is now hooking up with my sister, and I'm supposed to be OK with it.". Speculation about the couples possible relationship began to circulate after they were spotted having lunch together. According to the New York Times, EJ Johnson has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender over the past few years. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus.