Magic Johnson, an NBA star, announced his HIV positive status in 1991 after a routine physical exam. His wife, Cookie Johnson, tested negative and supported him throughout his career and life. Fortunately, Magic did not transmit HIV to his wife or his children, and the illness was not born with them either. Magic Johnson revealed his HIV diagnosis to his wife and past sexual partners when he retired from the Lakers in 1991. He also revealed his diagnosis to the public and became an AIDS activist.
When Magic announced his HIV diagnosis to the world in 1991, there was high fear surrounding the disease. Initially, Cookie was not in favor of Magic holding the press conference due to the stigma surrounding the disease. However, they have been together for 32 years, and neither she nor their son, Earvin Johnson III, have HIV. At the time of his diagnosis, Magic thought the virus was a death. To Cookie’s shock, he confirmed it was true. Magic and Cookie Johnson became HIV/AIDS activists, aiming to educate the public and raise funds for medical research.
Magic and Cookie Johnson celebrated 25 years of marriage, and it has been 25 years since the announcement that their husband had HIV. When Cookie was tested for HIV, it came out negative. Magic Johnson does not have AIDS, but his immune system is intact and his viral load is undetectable because he takes his ARTs.
📹 Magic Johnson andCookie on HIV Diagnosis, Their Gay Son
Magic Johnson’s wife, Cookie Johnson, recalls the moment her NBA star husband told her he was HIV-positive.
📹 Cookie Johnson’s New Book Proves She Was Always ‘Believing In Magic’
Wife of Lakers legend talks about their life in the 25 years since Magic’s HIV-positive announcement, Pat Harvey reports.
For those who weren’t around in the 80’s 90’s you can not understand the Stigma of the Aids Pandemic. I give Mrs Cookie Johnson a huge standing applause for being a class act and the navigator support system that redeemed, saved, and partner up a broken Magic. He was devasted, the world was shocked and she had a mission. Victorious mission you wonderful incredible woman. You are an inspiration and proof that love wins, when it’s respectful, patient and determined. God Bless the Johnson’s 👐🙏
She’s a FOOL. The message she sends out is you should let men abuse, disrespect and cheat on you. I have NO RESPECT for this door mat. This book is NOT EMPOWERING to women. It’s trying to DESTROY women. He didn’t cheat once…he cheated repeatedly. She will NEVER be a role model. No one should support Cheating and tolerating ABUSE.
actually sickened by this. this guy cheated severally, broke off their engagement twice. even after their marriage continued having affairs from which he contracted HIV whikst she was pregnant. this fool endagered her life and that of their child. how is she strong? ffs. she did what all the basketball wives do, she refused to give up the life she thought was owed her with the guy with a popular (wealthy) athlete. ffs. this is gross. Magic was a very wicked man. soz
cookie I am not saying you should have left your husband. what I am saying after 2 broken engagements and all the cheating before marriage how can you say you were empowering. you didn’t empower yourself by allowing this man to disrespect you for so many many years before marriage.. how is that empowering
I don’t condone cheating but I like the fact that when he did the dirt and dealt with the consequence for what he did he owned up to it and actually had remorse as well as the decency to tell his wife he had HIV. Cuz to think about it he could’ve never told her and hid it from her and then she find out some other way and now it’s on a whole different level.
Idc how much love you (Think) you have with someone, let someone you love come home too you and tell you that their HIV positive and that there is a possibility of you contracting it- you wouldn’t know what to think at that moment besides the reality of your entire life being broken down into shattered glass. His wife is strong willed and genuinely seems to stand by her high school love throughout the ordeal because HIV kills and destroys, so as to whether it’s his money, children or fame that kept her with him all this time is truly remarkable.
” pay attention people!” He had a lifestyle before he married her, 45 days after his marriage he found out! It’s inspirational because he told the truth to his wife and the world! Than honest enough to call the woman and tell them, the inspiration is truth, love and she stood by his side that’s her for better or worse and most of y’all wouldn’t understand because you think it’s about money all the time and it’s not give people credit for real love and hell half the people saying something just make sure your partner is not playing around on you and one day you walk a mile in there shoes! Cookie magic you have each other your family and God! That’s all the love and approval you need! Stay blessed your still here praise the lord!
I remember that press conference. And thinking about what she was feeling. I was just a kid, but I remember my thoughts, were with her. And what that meant, for their future. It’s wonderful to see, them both, thriving and flourishing. So many, many, many, many, many, years later.💕💕💕 My sincerest thanks. For being honest. And taking some, of the stigma. Out of living, a loving and healthy life. With HIV.
I’ve been faithful to my wife. Only a weak woman stays with man who cheats on her. If he’s cheating on u, either he’s a weak man, you’re not enough, or u serve a purpose (money, taking care of the house, companionship etc). So, if u keep a cheating man that means you’re okay being in one of those categories I just mentioned.
Not that I’m defending Magic here, because what he did was wrong and in the end, he reaped what he had sown, but I see so much judgement and hatred in this comment section. I do just hope that all of you who judge and belittle this man never get even 10% of the hate and judgement that you have thrusted upon him.
He didn’t respect their marriage so I love it if she is just staying with him for the money. Cause that’s just her putting in the same amount of respect as he did. He used her so I don’t blame her for using him. But she shouldn’t pretend it’s about ride or die or “working through a marriage”. Cause that sends a bad message.
First of all Ms. Cookie Jesus was about and still is about love, but you must still remember and understand that through all his love and kindness those who chose to live by his word and according to his word was in fact cast in the sea of sin. So what your son is practicing is wrong and is not uplifting in the eyes of god, and being rich and famous here on earth will not allow you a pass in heaven. “Just words of wisdom “
I think Cookie is an amazing woman, to go through such a personal journey & being gay myself & having both my parents & immediate family not accept me for who I am it was lovely to see she accepted her son’s sexuality from the start, and eventually he’s father to. I just wanna say sexuality doesn’t define your child nor does HIV define you as a person ❤️
She is very pretty, a good woman, he is lucky she stayed with him after he contracted the virus, am glad she didn’t get it, I don’t think that I would stay with him, but that’s me!!! He is a good man also, he just made the biggest mistake of his life by Not using protection 🙁 wish them well, beautiful couple❤️❤️
Godless love, LOVE IS NOT LOVE, GOD IS LOVE. GOD IS PURE AND HOLY, HE WILL NOT BE MOCKED. Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God”
If money really ruled this situation, she coulda won either way. She coulda left and took half like Michael Jordan’s Wife. Sometimes people know exactly what they’re getting. We be so quick to judge. We all did things in our 20’a that we look back at now and be like wtf! Was i thinking. It’s what shapes and prepare us to be who we are today. We don’t know their story we not God so why judge. The important part is they’re happy, healthy and here to share Their story.#blessed #period
I love the family. But did wrong by shielded that act when he was a kid from Magic. And love your son no doubt but never accept is sinful act. Being gay is not who he is but what he choose. We all have a choice; heaven or hell: God or Satan. That choice is yours. As parent we raise Our child and teach them. The parent was so lost in them selves because of them dealing with The HIV and failed to raise their son properly. 😪 the peer pressure is real out there especially in CA. Being rich wanting to be accepted. I would never accept my children foolishness 😒
Magic Johnson have a wonderful family cookie is a strong woman I do not know her personally but that’s a wonderful person to stick to you by his side while he going to HIV I know it’s hard because when I first caught HIV I want to commit suicide and I still be thinking about it now and then I have to find help somewhere somehow before it be too late but I’m happy for them nothing not know them at all I know I would never be able to meet magic Johnson but I can see him play with the Lakers for years he was my idol you know but I’m going through my own trouble right now and I need help but everyday it’s a journey and it’s a blessing that I’m still here and I thank God in Jesus and I love a lot thank you for listening to my comment I don’t know you but I love you all bye-bye 👑💔♥️💔😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
as an old white retired robbery detective….from the south…still say magic handled bad news like a man…you people judge so quick….have you ever seen how they are treated by women from city to city…very few can walk a fine line….i think if your child was born gay most would love him anyway…
My father was a HUGE HUGE Laker fan. He’d never miss a game. When they announced on TV that Magic had HIV, my daddy slumped over head in hand & wept. He wasn’t the type to cry much. He started to say “No, not Magic! Not my Magic!”. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my daddy so upset. He just sat there for a long time, totally numb with shock. Dad played basketball in school & loved it his whole life. Was a for real die hard Lakers fan. He retired & moved from Cali to Kentucky but ALWAYS remained a Lakers fan until he died in 2019. May he RIP. I wish he could have met some of the Lakers greats. It would have made his day to shake hands with the likes of Magic, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, the list goes on & on. I’m sure if there is a Heaven, dad will be up there chillin with them all as they filter in. I never liked basketball but, when my time comes I’d like to be there with my dad & chill as well. There is one Laker I did have a thing for, Shaquille O’Neal. Perhaps I spelled that last name wrong but, I’d recognize my Shaq anywhere!
I would not stay That was not love with him cheating and endangering her she was very lucky she did no catch it that would have been a different story Unacceptable infantile behaviour He is lucky Cookie stayed and I am sure she has learnt to set strong boundaries for herself which she did not have at the beginning of the relationship
“He may have possibly caught it from sleeping with someone else cheating or whatever”….if it wasn’t from her it was definitely from someone else…it may not have been from cheating if they were off an on twice before getting married…. Staying with him was her happiness… I love their attitude toward a disease that was so discriminated back in that time…they have come far and I applaud them for educating themselves on the disease and how to stay married in happiness…life has its ups and downs..just how it is
Everybody talkin about how she staying with him for the money and everything else they’ve been together since they were 18 years old she basically has been with him when he didn’t have any success and she basically built him into the man that he is today and how successful he is she has an education and so does he they met in college he clearly said she was behind the scenes so everybody said it was that check it was the money you don’t know what happened and you damn right she with him for the money hell she basically built that business you think she was going to divorce him and let somebody else have it or just have it go to waste no I don’t blame her I think she pretty damn strong. She could have left but she truly loved him and he truly loved her and I honestly believe he would not be here if she was to leave him she had true love for him and she wasnt gonna give that up yeah she was hurt but their strong faith in God got them this far everybody shouldn’t be concerned about why she staying with him that’s their marriage more power to her I think she has to be a pretty strong woman just because he Rich he still had AIDS so come on now. Everybody in the comments probably would have stayed with him because of the money leave them alone let them be them they’re happy now they’re in a better place now and that’s all that we need to know truthfully I don’t care I just want him to respect her and she respect him and if that don’t happen well that ain’t my problem.
Sometimes in life people do make mistakes and they learn from it,and when they walk away from that situation they already leaving someone who has now become the best version of themselves,so if u r someone who would rather walk away than find a resolution that may become a vicious cycle and u may have to keep changing people over and over till u get old and stay single but then when u look back at your ex they will be in happy relationship
I think she really loved him no matter what he was during out there and even if she didn’t know he was going to go pro she loved that man many people have been through it i just hated he got caught up but something good came out of it she and the baby was negative thank god i wish them the best there happy together thats all that matters from kia ☺💪👏🙏
Let s say the truth, no women will stay if you find out your husband takes h.i.v from another women, i am sorry but first : when a men cheeat no women will forgive, and to take h.i.v and stay with him…no way. This is the big prove that she was with him just for money. I am sorry, is my honest opinion. 😢
I remember her interview years ago saying that he called off their wedding like twice. I’m like wait, twice? And cheated then the diagnosis. God was trying to save her multiple times but she ignored the signs. Truth is “we create our sorrows long before we experience them” She didn’t deserve this at all, this is not Love or Goals. Nope!!!!
I’m truly thankful for this wonderful blessed person that I love so much and he love her and both of them are still together right now so because they love each other so there nothing that matter if you are in love with each other then it’s ok . Thank the Almighty God for his goodness and mercy for me and for them now
Love your child yes Jesus wants you to love your child but tell him the TRUTH that bisexual relationships are not of god but an abomination to god, god is a god of love ppl but he is also angry with the wicked each day. Us parents are going to be held accountable for not teaching our kids the truth you can love them always but that doesn’t mean you have to “agree” and “accept” that which doesn’t sit well with god, we need to stop trying to please the world but to put god first and stop being afraid but yet bold for the lord how do ppl sit here and talk about god like they know him but say they accept that behaviour, let me put it this way I will love my children no matter what but it’s my job to educate them in the word needless to say at the end of the day I pray they make the right decision otherwise they will just like all of us, have to answer to their maker.
Everyone has a gay child!!! 1. Denzel Washington’s daughter Katia. 2. Magic’s Son – EJ 3. The list goes on. But Cookie should have at least tried mouldings that moment the child was choosing dolls over other toys. You just don’t promote inaccuracies, you correct things that don’t look right. If he was meant to be, he would always find a way to be. When your child starts stealing cookies from the jar or coins from your purse, you just don’t look at him; you correct the behavior – it’s that simple….
Luke 16:19-31 KJ And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
I definitely could not stay with a man who has unprotected sex with probably multiple women and contracted HIV. I could not do it. I think she stayed not only for the money but for fear or raising her kids alone. She did what she felt she had to do. But I doubt she would of stayed if there was nothing that she could of gained from the situation.
“Phoning his sex partners” . So sis u gon tell me u stayed with a man that got hiv but have it sex with multiple of multiple of multiple of People n somehow this is inspirational. A married man cheating on u n u stayed for love. GTF OUTA HERE. I’m tired of women downgrading yourselves cause if it was her that got it he would of been out in a heartbeat. You women need to wise up its 2019 I’m TIRED of the foolery
Don’t manipulate the word of God! Yes Jesus loves him that’s why He died for all of us, but we need to respect the word of God. There is nowhere in the Bible that encourages homosexuality . Please read Romans chapter one ! We need to tell the truth with love to our children, it doesn’t matter if they accept it or not. If our actions are against the word of God, we have to repent and return to God to our Father ! God is merciful ! “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
John 3:16 God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:16 God so loved US Psalm 103:2 forget not all his benefits Psalm 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases Mark 8:36 what does it profit someone to gain the whole and lose his soul
I just stumbled on this and there is nothing to admire about Cookie. Magic, like most of these basketball players, disrespected her, lied and cheated on her so much it’s embarrassing. No woman should put up with this type of nonsense, regardless of if he’s wealthy or not. He tried to get out of the marriage 3 times, thus humiliating her publicly with that. Then he almost cost her and her unborn child their lives with HIV/AIDS. I just couldn’t do it. I don’t want money and a cushy lifestyle that much to be with a man like this. The only thing that slowed Magic down was his disease. Women like this disgusts me.
@ 43 Seconds, Cookie My Dear You Are The Last Individual I Would Ever Take Relationship Advice From! That Man Kept Making You The Second Option Up Until He Caught AIDS! He Always Said “I Cant” Smh! Then When He Got Infected He’s “I Can” ! It Was Also So Many Red Flags In College OMG SO SAD 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 A Rumor He Caught It From A Man 🥴
I love ❤️ this couple MAGIC JOHNSON made a big mistake, but I love that COOKIE his wife was hurt but she loved him for him not for MONEY. She’s a beautiful precious very special lady. I’m a big MAGIC JOHNSON FAN, but now I’m even a bigger COOKIE FAN. But he loves ❤️ her so much that they were able to be Bless 🙌 and forgive, may GOD continue to Bless them and theirs three beautiful precious children. I’m glad that he didn’t make judgment on his son being gay and their gave him as much love as parents could give, but COOKIE is the back bone of her amazing family. She never gave up. Special Thank you to MAGIC JOHNSON and your beautiful amazing wife COOKIE and all your blessings 🙌. I’m a big fan!
Some of y’all so clearly spiteful nd jealous of their relationship nd her decision it’s kinda hilarious cuz y’all point dat she stayed for money makes 0 sense…they were married in California of all places at da time nd he has a life threatening disease do u know how much money she wud have easily got if she divorced him lol…she wud have damn near cleaned his bank account but y’all unsuccessful relationships clearly make u so bitter towards someone in a happy one that u jus react wit negativity instead of really thinking it thru. That lady loves her husband without no doubt nd she can still pull dat card of divorcing him nd getting away with half of not more his fortune today. Jus cuz some of y’all wud have left nd only been in it for da money don’t mean everyone like dat nd she was with him before he even had a dime in reality even tho he was a star in college the NBA at dat time was on da verge of bankruptcy before magic ND bird saved da league so y’all need therapy nd get dat h8 out ya hearts lol
JESUS DOESN’T CONDONE OR ENDORSE homosexuality. It’s actually VERY CONTRARY TO HIS NATURE & PRINCIPLES! However He LOVES all ppl both homosexual & heterosexual alike that’s why He died for ALL ppl. BUT He surely HATES sin (NOT the ppl but sin itself) & scripturally homosexuality IS A SIN! If u turn to Him & forsake your sinful ungodly ways, He’s ALWAYS ready n open to accept u into His kingdom. Leviticus 18:22 ” ‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. Mark 10:6-9 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
God says to train, train up a child in the way he or she SHOULD go! Like the Army, Navy etc, train men and women for battle! There is a way that seems right to a man, but the ends thereof is death….physically, mentally, economically and spiritually! So these are the words of our wise God. We choose not to adhere to His words….sooooo..we get what the world gets, chaos, confusion, lies and deception! All bound for hell! Only one spirit is happy, satan himself! For all those that lead others astray, you have your part in their reward!
Personally, I find a woman like her to be a terrible example for young girls to follow. This is the opposite of who I would teach my daughters to emulate. Their “love” story basically says wait around while a man cheats, gets someone else pregnant, and even brings home HIV of all things and maybe one day he will marry you and that will be the big prize. And also that man is going to be homophobic to your son as well and you should just accept it. I’m so glad most young women are not like Cookie anymore.
You don’t have to accept or approve what they do. You should just love them. Jesus was against this homosexual escapade, but he never stop loving them. He does not force Himself on others. He’s a compassionate God, but just know he is not for being gay or anything agains God. Jesus come in peace not hatred. Read throughly on Sodom and Gomorrah, and about etc. bare in mind, allow the Holy Spirit to lead your mind to all truth.
I’m just gonna say it, we are all thinking it, he’s gay listen to him talk and what he says like father like son, why did she stay? Because it’s a marriage of convenience always has been. 2 months after they married he announces HIV she already knew they’ve got an arrangement it’s obvious always has been. The lead time of infection is years how is she pregnant then magically within months, he’s got HIV it takes 6 months to show up and that’s a fact we all know this now.
He did her wrong,and he knew that she wasn’t going to leave because of his money! He is paying for it tho,his son is a homosexual and I know that hurts him everyday,he probably still cheating,who knows,and maybe the book will tell us the rest of the story! She made her choice to stay and they all have to live with their lives,and from this interview,they look happy!
I would say that loose lips magic’s wife had nor has any personal pride or she would have kicked that ignorant fool to the curb the minute she heard that news. As a woman, I cannot understand how she could even look at him, have him touch me, or be in the same house with him. This tells me more than I care to know about her!
Cookie wasn’t going anywhere, one because the $ and lifestyle,two he’d openly cheated/disrespected their relationship prior(left her at the alter once before they married) so the struggle love thing and three at the time who else honestly would have taken her with aids being what it was,IS?! Meds or not it’s still not a disease you want to deal with daily . Their support of their son could be legit but I gave a feeling magic is being politically correct, publicly,at least. If he was magic jo smo the plumber I doubt he’d be as supportive .
Gah just trying to imagine what magic must have felt like finding out about the virus and having to tell his newly wed wife that’s pregnant but also what must have gone through cookie’s mind knowing their child might have a deadly virus as well as herself when neither of them did a single thing wrong to deserve such a horrible diagnosis
As much as I hate saying this as a former member of law enforcement I at the time worked doing domestic order restraining orders and evictions .and I have no proof but other deputies had said they evicted supposedly a man who claimed he was gay and Magic and he were involved sexually again I ‘ve absolutely no proof personally its just what I was told by my peers back before the crisis. I respect Magic Johnson and have absolutely no dog in the fight,
Jesus is about love and he loves all of us in spite of our mess and we all are one big mess of a human race! It’s also very popular today to teach that this is all there is to the gospel, but he also calls us to repent and turn from our sins. The gospel is not ‘we’re okay staying in our mess, God will accept us just as we are,’. The gospel is repent and turn from our mess and give it to Him and He will give us a new heart with new desires that desire Him rather than ourselves and the desires of this world! This is true for Magic and true for his gay son EJ and also true for all of us regardless of whatever sin we struggle with.
People are pissed saying he cheated. But she is probably fine with it after it’s all said and done. She seems like it’s not a big deal. She would leave if she wanted too. It’s possible that she allowed it, but obviously they would not have revealed that to the media at the time. Far too taboo back then. That’s just my take though.
She asked her if she wavered and she said no (watch her eyes) and she said he got it by “possibly” having sex with someone else. This woman was still in complete denial of reality and total acceptance of anything he did would not change her status as his wife. People are rarely honest about the things that are obvious to others. This is the definition of unconditional so when anyone says they can provide unconditional and is looking for the same I suggest you see what it is. It is okay to set boundaries as well and separate with love. Everyone is different and that is okay.
In another article, he brags about the thousands of women he slept with and how he told them all upfront they would never mean anything. Then he would have sex with them and send them out of the room. In the same article he says he always knew he’d marry his current wife. He wanted to have a lot of fun beforehand. That’s not the kind of man I would respect.
i don’t think people understand that she’s not there for the money ..😂 if she’s did, she’s still entitled to at least have in a divorce settlement so money ain’t it ..it’s possible that she genuinely does love him that much considering they were high school sweethearts . she doesn’t have HIV either .
With all the comments about her staying for $$$ etc. I believe in faith, after broken engagement etc, she still with him. You don’t leave a love one just because he HIV, you stay with them until the end. She made the right decision out of love. God has been looking after him but may god look after his family. In budhist, what you sow is what you reap, so do more charity and god will look after you for the good you give.