October 10, 2008

Magic Johnson Accused of Faking HIV

Conservative morning radio duo Chris Baker and Langdon Perry of Twin Cities, Minnesota station KTLK (100.3 FM) accused NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson on October 8 of faking being HIV positive, the Star Tribune reports.

The story garnered nationwide exposure when liberal watchdog blog Media Matters for America posted audio and a transcript of the conversation.

“You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?” Baker asked, to which Perry replied, “I’m convinced that Magic faked AIDS.” Perry later referred to Johnson as “the only cured AIDS guy ever.”

In a statement released October 9, Johnson expressed his disappointment in trivializing his own HIV status and the epidemic in general.

“Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS, and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable,” said Johnson, 49, who came out as HIV positive in 1991. “Chris, Langdon and KTLK should use their power in a more positive light by encouraging people to get tested for this disease instead of making up such ridiculous lies.”

In response to the media attention over their remarks, Baker dismissed the controversy as “not news,” saying their comments were just “three seconds of radio out of a four-hour show.” The duo declined to comment when reached by the Star Tribune.

Search: Magic Johnson, NBA, Minnesota, KTLK

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Previous Comments:

bob, tinley park, 2009-04-19 23:16:39
Is i possible the doctor gave a false diagnosis to promte his practice and drugs as the place to get cured? dont give me garbage that doctors are above that..some have god complex's

ShayWood, Toledo, 2009-03-21 19:01:09
Don't think he would lie...and I believe there's hope for those living with such Disease..and I ALWAYS BELIEVED AND WILL CONTINUE TO BELIEVE that there is a Cure!!! I've gotten in arguements with Instructors on da History behind da disease and that I feel that the cure remains hidden but will be EXPOSED. I pray Majic remains healthy and Strong. ShayWood Myspace.com/ShayDirect

glenda covington, sanford, n.c, 2009-01-25 11:55:30
contuine/ obesity,skin problem,positve to cancer because the body can;t fight off anti bodies of the diseasemicrogran headaces wearing glss bad vision, depression, no money to pay co-pay for dr visits car need repair, money to by gas,keep insure on car and the strengt to drive a lot of people goes without help because the people you deal with is uneducated on the diseaseand people fear what they don't understand so the treated like you really afirm them and you the one sick and need help,why.

glenda covington, sanford, n.c., 2009-01-25 11:38:52
thanks poz a chance to voice a opion it help. why would anyone fake or pass this terrible demon.people are dying because they afraid of being miss treated or even turn away for medical treatments. simply because everybody is not a professional at there job.and talks to people about other people medical problems. small towns people don't go for treatment because dealing w/the disease and being exposed and unexcepted is to much when you have other uncreable diseaseshigh blood pressure , dietbet,

Mary Vigil, Los Angeles, 2008-12-02 17:19:04
I don't believe he is faking HIV and why would he for one. He has been there for people like us and stil is so who ever is stating that he is faking it check yourself.

Summy, San Jose CA, 2008-12-02 14:33:55
Hey John.. Should Magic Johnson just stop living because he's poz? Is he asking for any pity -like you seem to be 'cause of your $900 a month? How do you figure he's a "sycophant"? Johnson could have just retired from basketball and remained mum on his status. Doing so he could have probably raked-in a lot more money in continuing endorsements than he does now. Your resentment is very misguided, dude.

john, , 2008-11-29 15:51:56
Regardless of Magic Johnson's veracity, I resent his sycophantic marketing. I have been HIV+ since 1985 and on full disability since 1999. Magic Johnson should try living on $900.00 each month with nobody to clean my house, make my food, or help repair my house when I am too tired. I don't pity the privileged.

Jeff, , 2008-11-18 17:46:23
People wake up! NO ONE can be CURED of HIV!!! My God! It's NOT POSSIBLE yet! Best we can hope for is an undetectable viral load. That does NOT mean you are cured!!!

shuqi78, lowell,ma, 2008-11-14 01:13:05
was magic cured or healed from hiv by GOD or some divine power? I don't believe so I don't live with him but isn't it a possibility? I dream of the day when we visit our doctors and are a given a 4 week prescription that will cure and eradicate the hiv virus from our body" It may never happen but isn't it a POSSIBILITY people? We all must have a faith that a cure with come. with out that we'll just be here arguing all day till the cows come home.

Lisa C., Burnsville, 2008-11-12 20:11:40
I had heard that you were discussing Magic's HIV status - actually another station had discussed & brought controversy to this. If I have my information correct - the questions were - how can he still be healthy & does it make a difference if you have a lot of money I was diagnosed in 1988 and am currently working full-time and healthier than I thought I would ever be with HIV. There was an article in USA Today 2006 (Nov? - that can be found on-line) where Magic explains that it is NOT eas

John Austen, , 2008-10-25 23:36:43
Magic Johnson does not have AIDS but carries the HIV virus. This is a fact I know because I am being treated by the same doctor Where Magic Johnsons picture is displayed in his office.

Marc, Long Beach, 2008-10-22 22:54:11
My ex (passed in 96) and I tested + exactly two years to the day before Magic. I am still here. Am I faking it too?

Janet, Tampa, 2008-10-21 20:23:12
This just shows how much HIV education is needed. This is the reason why people are getting HIV... they are looking for a certain look.

condom miranda, , 2008-10-21 11:00:39
This is terrible. I tell ya. No one would ever try lying about HIV for sympathy!! Especially not MAgic!!

Lulita, Nashville, TN, 2008-10-20 11:08:59
My opinion is that you should never judge a book by its cover. If someone is positive you can't tell by looking at them. My point is everyone has a status so what is theirs?