‘Keep living your truth’ – Magic Johnson pens heartfelt birthday message to son

Retired NBA champion, Magic Johnson, took to social media to pen a heartfelt birthday message to his son, EJ, as he turned 31 on Sunday. The former Los Angeles Lakers star sent the birthday message on Twitter alongside two photos he took with EJ. One of the photos included the 31-year-old’s mother, Cookie.

“Happy Birthday to my son, EJ,” the 63-year-old shared. “I love your pure heart and creativity! Keep living your truth, it’s what I love about you most! Have a great day!”

Cookie, likewise, also sent a birthday message to her son on Instagram. “ You are my great love!,” she posted. “I pray that the Lord will have favor on you and bless you abundantly in your 31st year.”

EJ publicly came out as gay in 2013 before later making a name for himself after taking the lead role in the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills reality series, PEOPLE reported. His parents have also rallied behind him and expressed their love and support for him. 

“I’m really proud of him because he’s getting so involved and letting his voice help other people too,” Magic told the news outlet. “He’s always saying, ‘You know what, Dad, I want to make sure everything that I do, that I enjoy it and that it sends the right message out there to my fans and the people who have always loved and supported me.'”

The basketball legend also spoke about how his son coming out has inspired others who also want to do the same. “He’s saving a lot of people’s lives and people don’t even know, and I’m so proud of him,” he said.  “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.”

In a 2013 interview on Oprah’s Next Chapter, Magic spoke about his son’s sexuality, saying that he knew EJ was gay before he finally opened up to him. “I would say it was a shock in the beginning, but also I knew. I was just waiting on him to tell me, and he did,” he said at the time.

“E.J. is just a lovable guy. As I told him, I said, ‘E.J., I love you, so I’m going to support you no matter what.’ And I think it made him feel good — because it’s one thing with Mom. And it was another thing with me, because he wanted my approval. He wanted my support.”