Was Magic Johnson Infected With Hiv?

Magic Johnson, a former NBA star, has denied that he contracted HIV from a contaminated Hepatitis B vaccine as part of a study run by Dr. Anthony Fauci decades ago. The LA Kings legend has stated that he believes he contracted the virus from unprotected sources. Johnson and his wife, Cookie, have been together throughout this time, and neither she nor their son, Earvin Johnson III, have HIV. At the time of his diagnosis, Johnson thought he had contracted the virus from a contaminated vaccine program.

In 1991, a preseason physical with the Los Angeles Lakers revealed that Johnson had contracted HIV. A few weeks later, Johnson gave his famous press conference to reveal the diagnosis and announced his retirement from the NBA. This moment marked the end of Showtime, as Magic Johnson’s iconic basketball career was interrupted by a stunning HIV diagnosis three decades ago. The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.

Magic Johnson’s announcement of his HIV status in 1991 stunned basketball fans and transformed HIV awareness. Thirty years on, he discusses his relationship with Anthony Fauci and shares video excerpts of his interview with FRONTLINE on the 20th anniversary of his diagnosis. The truth is that the basketball icon is thriving with the virus, despite falsehoods claiming that Dr. Sebi cured him of HIV.