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When Magic Johnson announced to the world that he had contracted HIV, I was only 11 and I didn't really understand it. We learned about it in health class and, at least for me, this was my first introduction to both HIV and AIDS. The world didn't know much about either at that point and my consensus at the time was that he wouldn't live very long. Then I figured out that he had contracted the disease from cheating on his wife numerous times and risked her life and the life of their unborn son in the process. My next consensus was that, if he did live long enough, his marriage certainly wouldn't last. Pretty logical thinking for an 11 year old, if I do say so myself.
Turns out that I was wrong on both counts. As Magic "celebrated" the 20th anniversary of his announcement to the world that he had contracted HIV on November 7, 2011, he did so with his wife by his side - their marriage apparently as strong as ever. Despite the fact that Magic cheated on his wife any number of times and also (admittedly unknowingly) exposed both Cookie and their unborn son to HIV - the couple has stayed together throughout the years. When deciding whether to go public with the news back in 1991, Magic and his wife had many long conversation on the subject. They ultimately decided that they should go public in an effort to help educate the world on the dangers of HIV/AIDS - and the world is a better place because of it. Magic now sports levels of HIV that are virtually undetectable, though he is not cured of the virus.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly in 1991, at a ceremony in Lansing, MI. Magic and Cookie had one son together, Earvin III, and, in 1995, they adopted a daughter, Elisa. Magic also has another son, Andre Johnson, from a previous marriage. Athletic skills and appropriate age aside, we assume that this isn't the Houston Texans Wide Receiver.
In addition to her work spreading the word about HIV/AIDS (though camera shy, she recently appeared in a PSA), Cookie Johnson started a clothing line aimed at average sized women, called CJ.
Finally, as a PlayerWives.com PSA to anyone wondering (I admit that I was), we have one final thing we'd like to point out. Magic and Cookie still "do our thing", as Magic puts it. Yup, they still have sex. The only restriction that they have is that they must use protection which, according to Magic, Cookie is totally comfortable with.
11.11.2011
Wat If the Condom breaks
11.13.2011
?
12.13.2011
Must be a bummer to HAVE to use a condom each and every time. Guys live for the day when they don't have to cover it up. And if Magic should ever have an escapade with another woman, I'm sure he would use a condom given that the whole world knows his status.
6.4.2012
Magic has a real wife! I truly know I would have left my marriage! God bless the family!!
8.19.2012
dear,magic My name is-coachharry watts iam a basketball fans los ángeles lakers iam glad we pick up dwight howard otimen the greates basketball teams all-timelos angeles
11.6.2012
Hi my name is Myra and I have a cusin with aids. Its really hard for a women too give it too a man. But I'm glad that magic was honest and didn't pass it around. Why did you get sicklerville when you got aids. I just prey that magic lives too be 100 years old. Do you have outbreak / please answer me.
1.24.2013
money talks bullshit walks!
2.6.2013
Word up! Humans we are all blessed to express the will to forgive,oftentimes we see when a person offend another but rarely see the offender apologize. Please dont get me wrong I find it hard to forgive a sex offender who took the initiative to harm a child,person,or inmate. I pray. I have had the chance to vote for and witnessed an African American President someday I will also witness LOVE in this world. Stay strong Magic, and Cookie may God 's Love manifest itself through you both (smile)
2.6.2013
How can I get in touch with Cookie to schedule an appearance for my organization, Sisters with a Vision as key note speaker?
4.3.2013
Cookie, for the sake of learning about how homosexuality happens to "straight couples" would you happen to know if your father or grandfather was homosexual? You could be carrying an X chromosome with the traight for that condition.
4.4.2013
Poor Cookie. Thats alot to forgive.
4.30.2013
Cookie, you REALLLLLLLLLY love him, dont u? Congratulations to U Magic, if you deserve the attention...ng
6.9.2013
Pressure burst pipes, I'm sure everybody had their two cents of advice to offer after you and Magic went public, but you didn't cave in. You are truly the Women of Steel. You go blk women.