Magic Johnson, an American businessman and former professional basketball player who spent his entire career wth the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, shares a profound bond with his son, EJ Johnson.
EJ Johnson was born Earvin Johnson III on June 4, 1992, as the second son of Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and Earlitha ‘Cookie’ Johnson.
Furthermore, Magic Johnson’s son, EJ Johnson, is an American TV personality and socialite who is also openly gay.
EJ Johnson came out as gay to his family at the age of 17 in 2010 before publicly announcing in 2013 after a report by TMZ published pictures og him holding hands with a male friend.
Although EJ was supported by his family in his decision to come out publicly in 2013, initially, Magic Johnson struggled to accept his son’s sexual orientation.
In an interview with Variety, Magic Johnson revealed that he initially struggled to come to terms with his son’s sexual orientation.
He stated:
“When you grow up in team sports, you’re thinking, ‘Is he gonna play sports?’ and then when i saw that he liked dolls and to play dress-up.. ‘What are you doing?'”
Variety
Likewise, EJ Johnson also recalled the moment when he struggled to come out to his father.
He revealed that he was out to all his friends, and his parents, Magic and Cookie, were the last people that he really had to talk to about it.
“It wasn’t new for me, but they had to take that in and digest it, Especially my dad, because he was really the last person to talk to. I think it was just a lot for him to swallow in that conversation. A lot of just going back and forth. And he just was rattling off about things that weren’t particularly nice. But he’s not somebody who works great being cornered or surprised.”
Just a few months after coming out to his family, EJ Johnson went to attend New York University, studying hospitality, and it didn’t take long for the father-son duo to repair their relationship.
"I had only been gone for two months. He picked me up at my dorm, and I was like, Oh, whatever, hey," said EJ Johnson.
EJ Johnson further revealed that his father, Magic Johnson, hugged him so hard, ‘like, squeezing all the air out’ of him, that’s when he knew there’s nothing but love between them.
Although Magic Johnson accepted his son and started embracing his true self, there were still some people who didn’t like that he loved his son as he was.
“You get the other side too, a lot of people don’t love that I love my son,” said Magic Johnson. However, others’ opinions didn’t matter to Johnson.
"He changed me. He was so proud. This dude here is just so proud of who he is," said Magic Jonson of EJ.
“As I grew older, as my wife talked to me, I couldn’t [judge EJ]. I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. He actually helped me get there. Because he was so proud. Cookie said, ‘Look in the mirror.’ I said, ‘You’re right.’ Because I’m proud of who I am. And he got it from me.”
In TheEllenshow, Magic Johnson expressed his pride for his son EJ Johnson, and advised all the parents, stating:
“Well, 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 is it’s all about loving them with no matter who they are what they decide to do.”
He further added:
“When my son came out I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents and we love him and EJ is amazing, so you got to support your child and because it’s so many people who try to discriminate against them so they need you to support them cuz if you don’t support them who’s going to support him and love him you know it’s really important.”
Magic Johnson’s First Child, Son Andre Johnson, Is Thriving In His Career In The Entertainment Industry
Magic Johnson is also a proud father of his first son, Andre Johnson, who is a successful entrepreneur and thriving in his career in the entertainment industry.
He has been serving as the executive vice president of partnerships and community of Magic Johnson Enterprises in Beverly Hills, California, since 2024.
Earning his business degree from the University of Southern California and his associate’s degree in business management from Santa Monica College, Andre began his career as A&R of Elektra Entertainment. He served in that position for five years.
He also previously served as the vice president of business development and executive vice president of Magic Johnson Enterprises.
Similarly, Andre co-founded Love+Light Ventures in 2014 and served as the producer of Hydra Entertainment. He also served as the head of business development of The Virtual Reality Company for almost three years.
Prior to his recent position, Andre Johnson served as the executive vice president of business development of SimWin Sports and Vice President of Business Development of Mythical Games.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Magic Johnson is a five-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP, a twelve-time NBA All-Star, and a 1979 NCAA champion.
- He won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympic Games representing the United States and the 1992 FIBA Americas Championship.
