Magic Johnson Has Been Hiv Positive For How Long?

Magic Johnson, an NBA legend and businessman, has been living with HIV for 30 years. In 1991, he announced his HIV status during a press conference with the Los Angeles Lakers. The announcement came as a shock to Johnson, who had no idea how much the disease affected him. With the help of modern medicine, his wife’s support, and many doctors, Johnson put a face on HIV and catalyzed a major shift in how Americans perceived HIV and AIDS. Now, three decades later, Johnson is revealing his undetectable viral load.

In 1991, Johnson announced that he was HIV-positive and would have to retire from the Lakers. This moment marked the end of Showtime, as the NBA legend had no idea how much the disease affected him. However, with the help of modern medicine, his wife’s support, and many doctors, Johnson put a face on HIV and catalyzed a major shift in how many Americans perceived HIV and AIDS.

Despite the challenges, Johnson continues to use his platform to make a positive impact. He used the 1992 Olympic Games to shatter stigma around HIV, and his story of breaking the devastating news to his wife changed the world. In November 2011, video excerpts of Magic Johnson’s interview with FRONTLINE were published on the 20th anniversary of his HIV diagnosis.