Magic Johnson’s Fabulously Gay Son Doesn’t Care About Haters

The 20-year-old was forced into the spotlight. And he's loving it.

By Jamilah King Apr 16, 2013

Earvin Johnson III — aka EJ — has a lot to be thankful for these days. He’s the son of NBA legend and businessman Magic Johnson, he’s out and proud, and he [has the complete support](https://colorlines.com/archives/2013/04/magic_johnson_says_hes_proud_of_his_gay_son.html) of his high-profile parents. In an interview posted on a YouTube talk show, EJ talked openly about being outed publicly by Hollywood gossip site TMZ. [Here’s a recap from ESPN](http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9177551/ej-johnson-son-magic-johnson-talks-being-gay): > "I always wanted to come into the spotlight," he said. "I always had dreams and plans of doing my own thing and creating my own image, so it came a little sooner than I thought it would but this is still something I knew I would be going through and would have to experience." > > …"It’s almost like they’re attacking me for being me and so to that I can only say, ‘Well, I can only be myself, so I don’t know really what you want me to do,’" he told "Gwissues" host and interviewer Howard Bragman, a publicist who recently began representing Johnson. > > "I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do," E.J. Johnson said. "My parents have always been super supportive. My sister and I have always been really close and she’s been really supportive as with my brother. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess." > > Johnson said he first came out to his mother, who approached him when he was 13 or 14. > > "I told her how I was feeling and she obviously told me that she had known and always would love me anyway. The same thing happened with my dad like a year or so later," he said. "Everyone has to get used to it. No parent is prepared 100 percent and fully for something like that. We all had to work and move forward." Check out more at [ESPN](http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9177551/ej-johnson-son-magic-johnson-talks-being-gay). === **Update: April 16, 2013 at 12:54 EST:** Magic came to his son’s defense after black blogs attacked EJ’s fabulosity last week.