Magic Johnson commends son EJ for 'living your truth, it’s what I love about you most'

Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY
·2 min read
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Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. celebrated the impact his son Earvin Johnson "EJ" III has had on others to mark his 31st birthday.

"Happy Birthday to my son, EJ!! I love your pure heart and creativity!" Magic, 63, tweeted Sunday alongside a photo with EJ at the premiere of "They Call Me Magic" and a vacation photo of his son and wife Cookie Johnson.

The Basketball Hall of Famer added: "Keep living your truth, it’s what I love about you most! Have a great day!"

Cookie also posted a carousel of pictures of EJ on Instagram with their family to mark his birthday. "Happy birthday, my @ejjohnson_! You are my great love!" she wrote.

"I pray that the Lord will have favor on you and bless you abundantly in your 31st year," the "Believing in Magic" author concluded.

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EJ rose to popularity after appearing on E!'s "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" in 2014 and later as the star of his own spinoff reality show "EJNYC."

Throughout his time on the show, the socialite became an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth as a gay man breaking gender binaries in fashion and having honest conversations about gender identity. EJ came out publicly in 2013.

Magic voiced his appreciation for EJ's work within the queer community in an interview with People in March.

"I'm really proud of him because he's getting so involved and letting his voice help other people too," the former NBA star said.

EJ Johnson has been an influence on LGBTQ+ youth since his time on "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills."
EJ Johnson has been an influence on LGBTQ+ youth since his time on "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills."

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EJ has been particularly supportive of youth who want to come out. "He's saving a lot of people's lives and people don't even know, and I'm so proud of him," Magic continued.

The proud father further explained, "A lot of young people will call him and ask, 'How did you come out' or 'Can you help me? I haven't told my parents,' and man, he gives so much great advice."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Magic Johnson celebrates son EJ's birthday: 'Keep living your truth'