Earlier this week, TMZ posted a video in which one of their photographers was interviewing Magic Johnson’s 20 year-old son, EJ, on the Sunset Strip with his boyfriend. EJ was very friendly the pap, who asked him about the remodeling of the Staples Center in LA. (I think.) It was clear that EJ was gay and out with his boyfriend, who reminded me of a young Robert Pattinson but with fluffier hair. In response, Magic Johnson issued a very nice statement to TMZ about how he and his wife supported their son and were proud of him. It gave me the warm and fuzzies. He wrote: “Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. We’re very proud of him.”
Now TMZ has posted interview segments with Magic about the response to their video of his son, and if I wasn’t choked up before I sure am now. Magic said so many wise, kind things that it’s hard to do his words justice, and I would suggest that you watch the videos on TMZ.
On giving EJ “The Talk”
Magic said that he’s known “for a long time” that EJ was gay, and that he told AEJ at the age of 13 that they loved and supported him. At that point EJ came out to his parents. Magic said that his goal during that conversation was to talk with his son about the birds and bees and protecting himself, and about how he would deal with any fallout from friends and family. One thing he said that really stuck with me is that “We are here to support you. We are going to love you no matter who you are or what you do. We just want you to love yourself and also make sure that you have all the information.”
All of this was a big relief to EJ, who was worried about how his dad would take it. Throughout his talk with TMZ, the love and admiration Magic had for his son came through. He said. “I love EJ so much, that’s my main man. I told him ‘Nothing has changed, I just want to help you along the way. A lot of people are going to be happy for you. Then some won’t understand. You have to remember, always talk to me, always talk to your mother and we’ll just help you along the way.‘”
On the attacks against his son
Magic was also asked about some negative responses online and he focused on the positive. “I don’t care who is attacking my son. I’m going to still support him, I’m going to still love him… As I told him once he comes out, ‘expect some of this.’” He also added that religion plays a role in anti-gay sentiment, but said that he and his wife go to church every Sunday. “So we’re involved in that, but we’re going to support our son, we’re going to love our son… If people can’t understand that’s on them..”
How his HIV diagnosis helped him understand
A little later, Magic explained how his own HIV diagnosis over 20 years ago helped him understand where his son was coming from. “I’ve been in the gay movement for a long time because of HIV and AIDS with me. So I’ve seen young men who are black who couldn’t come out, who couldn’t tell their parents, they were fearful… so now it’s my son now, and so I’m hoping they understand. This is the year 2013. We should stop discriminating against people and just support him… I think is going to be good for a lot of black young people who want to come out.”
On how this is a positive thing
As for TMZ posting the video of EJ, Magic said it was a good thing. “I have to say that TMZ really helped him. This was a good moment for us as a family and a greater moment for him. He’s just the bubbly kid we knew again and he’s just happy he’s out… I’m behind him a million percent. This is really wonderful for him.”
“I told EJ this is going to be bigger than you… You’re not going to know your impact, but you’re going to have an impact.”
There’s another interview on TMZ in which Magic, who owns the LA Dodgers, talks about athletes possibly coming out. He said that no one has come out to him personally, but friends and family of gay athletes have asked him for advice. He is of course going to support anyone who comes out on his team. Magic is setting an incredible example for the gay community, for parents of gay kids and for gay people in professional sports particularly. (Of which there have been precious few to come out publicly.) I was so impressed by this interview and by what a stand-up guy he is. Kudos to TMZ for doing this interview with Magic.
Here’s the video with RJ Johnson. TMZ has the videos of Magic’s interview.
Magic Johnson is shown in February and March with his wife of 22 years, Cookie. Credit: WENN and FameFlynet
I love this story! I wish more parents were this accepting! What a colorful character EJ is!
Now I love Magic even more.
Just telling from the photos they seem like really nice people.
And his statements are so touching and true. Kind of crazy that people still can’t accept something that’s actually natural.
Agreed. They seem like an incredibly down to earth and loving family. I’m not a basketball fan but I’ve loved Magic for years. He is always giving great interviews on the late night shows and he’s been very vocal in a lot of great causes.
It’s great that Magic and Cookie are supporting their son.
But….
Why did TMZ feel the need to “out” EJ? He’s not a celebrity.
Simply being the child of celebrity makes you fair game nowadays.
This is a great story- if only all parents were this accepting!
I will say that EJ conducted himself in a very gracious, polite manner. My utmost respect for the Johnson family who have provided such love and support for this young man. What a wonderful job they have done as parents who are celebrities. My heart is warmed…
it seems like he was already out in his life, just the public didn’t know. so maybe it isn’t a huge deal to him personally. but i agree that it’s awful when tabloids/gossip columnists out celebrities– it’s the main reason that I have no respect for Perez Hilton, since he made a name for himself by outing closeted celebrities without any concern for how it might affect their personal/professional lives. I think it’s a really terrible thing when people are forced out of the closet but meddlers who are just looking for attention.
Perez is such a little slimeball. Hopefully having a kid will mellow him out, but I’m not holding my breath.
LOVED this story! Hooray for Magic and his lovely family! I hear some NFL athletes are thinking about coming out. That would be so rad.
I think walking down a public street holding your boyfriend’s hand means you ARE out. It’s not like TMZ was peeping through windows.
Being out to your family and friends is one thing, but having it put out there for the public is something entirely different. Some of the comments about EJ on the web are disgusting.
I get the impression that this was intentional. The Johnson’s are making an INCREDIBLY powerful statement by doing this, Magic is such a prominent black businessman and former athlete, and in his comments he’s talking about how many black gay men feel like they cant come out to their families because there’s such stigma.
I agree, Bridget.
Such a stand up classy man. I got tears in my eyes reading that interview. Love ya Magic.
Me too. You’re not going to know you’re impact, but you’re going to have an impact.
That was beautiful.
Good for Magic, in a society where we glorify TEEN MOMs and give them their own show it amazes me people have time to worry about a 20 yr old gay man.
That teen mom show is one of the worst things on tv now.
Magic and his son are lovely on the other hand.
So awesome. Sports teams are not generally known for being supportive of gay and queer folk. magic being loud and open about it will hopefully go a long way to quashing all the, ‘no gays on my team’ crap.
Plus as a young boy having tht kind of support, gay or straight is phenomenal.
I agree, this is a really great thing. Really wonderful.
Every day something wonderful happens that helps break down that wall of hate and ignorance.
Their family pulled down a lot of bricks with this revelation and the educated yet loving approach Magic took to educate his son when it was time for “the talk”.
I have a friend with almost the EXACT SAME VOICE as EJ. I couldn’t stop giggling throughout the video.
That is amazing and wonderful-I wish every person struggling with that decision-how and when to come out-could have such supportive and caring parents. Basketball can be such a uber-macho sport, so it’s really nice to see Magic be so vocal about it.
Completely agree! It’s so wonderful to not just hear a patent accept but say they are proud. It seems like they have a really loving and accepting family.
That’s wonderful. He and his wife handled it correctly. This makes me so happy.
What an awesome person. I didn’t know a whole lot about him before, but I’m very impressed by the love and support he’s showing his son and the LGBT community. Good for you Magic Johnson!
And that’s what it’s all about. Love and acceptance for all.
That’s great- it’s how parents SHOULD treat their kids, with love and support.
Good for him!! I always think what a burden a teenager who is scared to come out must carry with them all the time.
EJ dump the granny purse though…I am assuming you aren’t realy hurting for cash go get you a cuter bag.
Funny, I remember when Magic told the world about his HIV diagnosis. At that time, it was a death sentence. Everyone expected him to be dead in a few years. Some people thought it was just terrible that he would father a child, knowing he could die at any moment.
Now, 20 years later, Magic is alive, healthy and successful, and has raised two children (did he have other kids before his marriage?). Amazing.
Cookie was already pregnant with EJ when Magic was diagnosed . They adopted their daughter after the diagnosis. EJ is getting a lot of hate online because he is so effeminate. I. hope his family’s love gives him the strength to deal w bullying
I remember that too. I was a kid when the whole “AIDS” thing came out…about how it was a gay thing, only bad people got it etc. What a confusing time as a kid. Then Magic came along and I’m sure it had to be hard for him back then. I remember there being a bit of a backlash (some players not wanting to play with him etc.) Sounds like he is just a wonderful man and Dad. EJ is lucky to have the family he has!
The summer after he announced his HIV+ status, Magic was on the US Olympic basketball team, and at the opening ceremonies I saw players from all countries running up to him to shake his hand.
I was doing IV starts in the hot lab when that news came over the TV. I thought my world was stopping. I am that big a Laker fan and a Magic fan.
He is amazing, truly. A fabulous and smart business man, a man who is an idol and hero in LA. A man that admitted his mistakes in life.
He is a kind, charitable and giving person and this just makes me love him more. He built up Inglewood, was part owner of the Lakers and is now owner of the Dodgers. A true LA legend for all the right reasons. Still the most fabulous basketball player to grace us with his skills on the court.
Hats off to Mr. Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie!
Funny story. On that day my mother was giving birth to my twin brothers and it was all over the news, November 7 1991. She was so pissed off because nobody was paying attention to her, not even the doctor or the nurses. I wasn’t in the room because I was so little but I remember hearing her scream “I’m trying to have TWIN WATERMELONS here! This will still be on the EVENING NEWS, doctor!!” She was high from her epidural so she kept saying “watermelons” and my grandma and my dad had to request a different doctor.
Meanwhile, the babies were not waiting, and coming out, like it or not. They were late, which is so rare for twins, and they were over 9 lbs each, also rare–that’s huge for twins. She was as big as a house. Anyway, baby John nearly fell on the floor since the doctor trade left no OB in the room, and my dad had to literally deliver the first baby there in the hospital. It was so crazy, she was only in labor for 4 hours. What a day. I’ll never forget it!
Holy cow! I’m sure your parents were more concerned with taking care of their twins after that, but I would have ENDED that doctor.
I’m glad everything worked out well, and now they have an interesting anecdote to share with your brothers about their birth.
Oh yeah, he was pretty much ended after that. The hospital fired him and had his state license revoked. The nurse as well and they settled out of court, so it was actually a really swift outcome, no need to sue.
I just took them out for their 21st bday a few months ago, we still tell them about that day. Nobody has any ill will toward Magic, though 😉
His parents are named Magic and Cookie. Of course EJ is the best.
This made me LOL. What awesome parents.
LOL!
So true!
Funny, I have a magic cookie in my freezer right now…
I want a magic cookie! 🙂
Yes Magic is a stand up guy! It’s the thing that is well known about him aside from him being a really good business man! I remember back when Rick Riley wrote an article about him in his column in SI and it was nothing but high praise about the respect he had for Magic Johnson and his community influence.
And I think he’s so loving and accepting of EJ becuase he was his “miracle baby”, so many questioned if he was going to have HIV also. His wife stayed with him and stood by him inspite of how things looked, his family is pretty exceptional.
WORD.
I now love Magic even more. What great parents they are, they really set an example for parents everywhere. I have a 7 month old and I hope that I can be just as supportive and loving throughout his life.
It is horrible, but no one says a word when some underage girl has a baby or two or three by some loser that isn’t even out of highschool.
Teen Mom shows the chaos those babies live through but THAT is ok because it’s a female and male CHILD having sex and babies.
Hell, I’ve seen them throw baby showers at churches for 14 year olds…
THINK PEOPLE – THINK!
Where have you been? A LOT of people have a LOT to say when a teen girl has a baby. Right here, and other places.
Why wouldn’t a church throw a baby shower for a 14 year old? They may not approve of what happened, but there’s an innocent baby and a mother that’s unfortunately going to need a lot of help.
As a non-American I don’t know a lot about Magic Johnson, but what I see I like! They seem like a great, close, loving family.
Magic is the man.
Haven’t read your article yet (will after I post this), but one of the few times I’ve seen my husband cry was when Magic Johnson announced he was HIV positive. That was back in the day when treatment and a normal life wasn’t automatic.
And to see him now support his son, wow. I can fault the man for cheating on his wife with half of the USA, but I sure can’t fault him as a dad.
Edit: Pleased to see Kobe Bryant come out in support too.
Magic, Cookie and EJ have just showed the world what love looks like.
As an aside, Magic has one of the best smiles ever, and it looks like EJ inherited it. A beautiful smile makes the world a happier place!
I love this story so much! There is so much homophobia in the African American community (told to me by very good friends who are AA and afraid to come out of the closet), so to see a celebrity speak out about it warms my heart. I sincerely hope that this will help people see that a) being gay is NOT A BAD THING and b) parents can and will be accepting of their children. <3 Good on you, Magic. And yay for you, EJ!!
There is just as much homophobia in the white community as evident by all the anti Gay groups started by Whites including Focus on the Family,NOM.As a matter most of my Gay friends who have been disowned or White or Asian.Black families may talk about you but rarely disown except for the really religious ones in my experience
You’re correct, and I was in no way trying to downplay the plight that white homosexuals go through as well. I just have seen (and heard about) more homophobia from the AA community than I have in the caucasion. Unless you count WBC, but I don’t as I don’t consider them to be people.
Unfortunately, Sami, a lot of what you’re saying is true. As a WOC, it’s really sad and disheartening to see so many of my family members speak so poorly about the gay community, as if their child being homosexual is the worst thing that could happen. I remember an incident when I was younger where there was a rumor that one of my cousins could be a lesbian, and the church and her family shamed it out of her. I don’t know how she’s doing now, but it seems that they’ve made her repress and it just isn’t talked about. My uncle, who’s a pastor openly mocked gays and transexuals in the church and at home, and another cousin threatened to disown his unborn child ‘if he grew up to be a fag’. And even on more urban sites, people like Frank Ocean were verbally bashed in the comments section and there were a lot of derogatory things being said about Asap Rocky, simply for associating with a homosexual person. Another friend of mine told me that her family gets really up in arms about gay people, and a lot of my black peers throughout my schoolife has treated homosexuality as a taboo. It’s a shame, but from my perspective, there seems to be a lot more support coming from the white community when it comes to LGBT rights.
I think it just depends on whether or not they’re actual Christians (in this case) or are RELIGIOUS. My mom’s side of the family is black and semi religious…but that doesn’t stop them from welcoming and accepting gay people. It depends on the family, I guess. I have a gay cousin and everyone loves her as always, we make fun of all potential partners of everyone, gay or straight.
Reading about how great a father he is I am a little ashamed of how tough I sometimes am on my two small children. Food for thought. What an amazing guy he is.
I’m always glad to see and hear support for gays, their choices and their relationships. And btw… Cookie Johnson makes fabulous jeans for curvy women!!
I have goose bumps now! What a wonderful man and story.
Love everything about this story.
This is so damn sweet. Talk about unconditional love. I also LOVE how he still calls his wife “cookie.” Good karma, this man has it.
Cookie is her nickname from childhood sort of like Tiger Woods everyone calls her Cookie
Awww that’s sweet and very adorable
Reading this makes me want to cry. The way Magic loves his son and also worries about the discrimination of black youth who are gay and the discrimination of gays in general. Yes, Magic, there is a bigger picture here, and you are making a difference by this discussion.
It’s a shame how people were bashing a man, simply for continuing to love his son. Would people be happier if he hated and disowned him? Magic Johnson is a standup guy, and I’m glad he’s supporting his child so openly, especially in a community where homosexuality isn’t widely accepted. However, I wish more people in general would see it as something that’s normal and not anything special when someone is gay–they’re just people like everyone else, and I don’t think he should have to defend his son or explain himself about anything, as long as he knows in his heart he loves him no matter what.
I love this! I love it so much. I can’t say a lot except for how positive I think his statements are, and not one hateful comment (yet) on this forum. The times, they are a changin’.
I’m struck by how different this pap interview is so different then what transpired with Sean Penn’s son Hopper. Just goes to show that when celebrity kids are raised in a loving and open environment they can turn out to be well spoken young people.
I am loving the c*** out of this: EJ (He’s ADORABLE!), Magic’s response and the positive effect that this will have. Everything about this is so beautiful. It makes me gooey inside 🙂
I really miss Magic and the days when basketball was more about the players and the game than the showmanship of today!
I watched the ESPN 30/30 film on Magic, and it broke my heart! Actually, all of ESPN’s 30/30’s kill me. I cried 5 or 6 times during it, and i am not one to shed tears easily. They endured so much emotionally, physically, and publically. He was so vocal about his HIV diagnosis and his struggles, and he was so courageous to really take on this new role as being the face for individuals living with HIV (he mentioned this in the film, and to hear him say that HIV now had a face, really got me). Magic and Cookie are amazing people, and their love the EJ is something that I hope I will have for my children! They’re aspirational people!!!
What an awesome family.
And EJ is so gracious and handled the random, sudden interview really well.
What a great guy! I hope a lot of parents take him as an example.
One of my friends is gay and his dad send him to the doctor to “fix” him when he came out. He is happy now, out, living his life, and being very content. He got some good friends that are helping him to be positive and happy.
EJ is cute!
BTW, isn’t it sad that this post only got half of the comments than the Kardashian post!
To me this is what love looks like. I have a close friend with a son who loves barbies, high heels, tutus, makeup and the like. This man loves and supports his son the same way as Magic and Cookie. It makes me proud to be his friend!
Yes. This story is so heartwarming. Magic you are awesome.
This story has nothing but “Yes!” written all over it. This is the way to parent, America!