NBA Superstar Magic Johnson: I am Still HIV Positive

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who stunned the sports world 22 years ago with the announcement that he had contracted the HIV virus that causes AIDS, set the record straight this week that he is still a carrier and has not been “cured”. Rumors have continued to abound over the years that the NBA superstar had managed to rid his body of the HIV virus since he always looks fit and healthy.  However, last week Johnson took to Sirius XM’s HipHopNation to confirm that he still had the virus, which lies dormant in his body.  He dismissed the myths that continue to circulate regarding a “miraculous cure”, denying that he has sought medical advice from Kenyan witch doctors or Mexican healers.

When Johnson made the startling announcement over two decades ago, he sent shock waves through the world, especially since the idea that AIDS could affect the heterosexual community as well was still in its infancy.  Johnson subsequently quit his glittering NBA career and instead became an astute businessman based on his global brand, and an ambassador for the fight against AIDS.

However, despite being a picture of good health, Johnson confirmed that he takes a cocktail of 30 drugs, just as millions of HIV carriers around the world do to keep the disease at bay. “I do have it and have had it for 22 years,” said Johnson. “It’s just laying asleep in my body.”

It was important for Magic Johnson to get across the message that the virus doesn’t affect everyone in the same way, and in fact he is one of the lucky ones who has managed to remain healthy for so long. “The virus acts different in everybody … so just because I’m doing well, you might NOT do well,” he told the interviewer.