They Wanted Him to Be Magic Johnson Jr.—But His Shocking Transformation Left Everyone Speechless (and Furious)
Imagine being born into NBA royalty. Magic Johnson—the Lakers legend, the basketball GOAT—cradles his little boy in 1999, and the whispers start: Could this kid be the next Magic Jr.? Fast forward to 2025, and that same kid, now grown, walks a red carpet in a gown that would make drag queens jealous. He’s not holding a basketball—he’s holding a clutch. Instead of crossover dribbles, he’s mastered contour and high-fashion couture.
That’s EJ Johnson’s journey, and honestly, it’s the kind of glow-up that leaves people speechless—and some, bitter.
EJ, short for Earvin Johnson III, was born in 1992 and went to NYU to study hospitality. But basketball? Not really his thing. Instead, his first splash into the public eye was reality TV—Rich Kids of Beverly Hills—and later EJNYC. He emerged in the spotlight as unapologetically himself, wearing what he wanted, speaking his truth.
By 2013, he publicly came out as gay. It took his father, Magic, some time to adjust people.com, but that awkward teenage phase turned into fashion fame. EJ hosted Fashion Police, spoke out on LGBTQ+ issues, and modeled gender-fluid outfits. He’s even the voice of Michael Collins in Disney’s The Proud Family.
There’s nothing wrong with that. But fans expecting the next NBA star feel misled. The meme circulating around the tweet that mocks EJ’s transformation—calling him “Queen of Style” and snarking “they wanted Magic Jr.”—taps into that tension.
Why Some Fans Are Tickled… and Others Are Angry
1. The “Disappointment” Narrative
A lot of folks follow celebrities expecting them to follow a path laid out for them. And when Magic’s kid didn’t pick up a ball? Some feel shorted. That tweet by @HoopMixOnly—spinning “JUST when you thought you had the next Magic JR”—didn’t just show transformation, it delivered a jab. It’s lazy storytelling disguised as nostalgia—and it hurts EJ.
2. A Son Just Living His Truth
Here’s the thing though: EJ never claimed to want to be his dad. He’s repeatedly said he’s happy with himself. His focus has always been self-expression, not slam dunks.
Magic’s reaction speaks volumes. He’s full-on proud. He’s posted birthday messages saying EJ helps other people live authentically. At an AIDS Gala, he praised EJ as “a beautiful gay man” who helped him grow.
Let’s remember: this is a man who himself broke barriers—live HIV disclosure in 1991 changed the game. Now his son is pushing boundaries again, in fashion and identity. And Magic stands behind him.
3. Social Media Backlash
When fans see a meme mocking EJ’s style, they’re split. Some cheer, “legend!” Others clench their teeth, calling it “transphobic,” “insensitive,” or “just cringe.” After all, mocking someone’s identity or fashion lacks imagination and empathy.
EJ used to wear sheer mesh outfits—like a jumpsuit at Morgan Stewart’s wedding reminiscent of Kardashian couture them. He loves the spotlight. But there’s a world between applauding him vs. ridiculing him for not towing the family line.
The Real Glow-Up Beyond the Red Carpet
Let’s step back from selfies and soundbites. EJ’s transformation is deeper than a dress.
He Fought for Authenticity
At 17, EJ told his friends, then later, his parents. Magic initially struggled—requiring time to digest the news popsugar.com. Eventually, they held each other tight, and a bond formed. Now, the world sees Magic hugging his son, celebrating his truth .
He Became a Gay Role Model
On TV and in interviews, EJ consistently stands up for LGBTQ+ youth. He hosted panel discussions, took part in BeautyCon’s “Gender Revolution,” and voices a non-binary character . Every appearance is a statement: You belong. You’re valid.
Magic Johnson Transformed Too
Like EJ said, “Magic” and “Earvin” are two sides: one star, one homebody. Through his son, Magic learned to set aside expectations—and in doing so, became a bigger person.
Here’s What People Are Saying
Even professional outlets took note. Teen Vogue called EJ a beacon of fearless fashion and LGBTQ+ strength . People covered his silver gown moment at his dad’s doc premiere, saying he stole the show.
Social media? A mixed bag. Some tweets and threads are mean, labeling him a “fashion diva.” Others are supportive: commenters on Magic’s Instagram said, “I take my hat off to magic for standing by his son,” “God bless you for allowing him to live in his truth,” and “True example of unconditional love” them.
It all reflects one truth: People project their own hopes and fears onto celebrities. Fans expecting NBA glory feel robbed. EJ fans see courage.
Why EJ’s Journey Matters (Like, Really Matters)
He flips tradition on its head.
- We expect kids to do what parents did. EJ defied that.
He normalizes queer visibility in high fashion and media.
- That’s big.
He shows that parent-child relationships can evolve beautifully.
- Magic didn’t disown him. He loved him—and grew because of it.
He teaches self-love.
- He said, “I like myself the way I am.” That’s revolutionary in a world full of scrutiny.
Final Take: The Meme Fails, The Message Wins
That tweet mocking “Magic Jr.”? Lazy and disrespectful. It reduces EJ’s journey into a punchline. EJ isn’t a failed basketball player—he’s a rising fashion force, an LGBTQ+ trailblazer, and a loving son standing in his power.
Critique is fine—everyone has preferences. What sucks is when commentary turns cruel over difference. This isn’t about expectations—it’s about respect. Beautiful people, diverse people, queer people—they deserve to live loudly.
EJ took a path no one expected—and in doing so, showed fans that family love doesn’t demand conformity. That’s a lesson far more powerful than any dunk.
