Magic Johnson Faking Aids

During the Chris Baker and Langdon Perry talk show on KTLK in Minneapolis. Baker and Perry joked that former NBA star Magic Johnson had faked acquiring AIDS to garner sympathy.

Baker asked Perry"You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?" Perry responded, "I'm convinced that Magic faked AIDS." Baker added "Yeah, me too."

Although diagnosed with the HIV Virus in 1991. Johnson has never been diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

The former NBA star and successful business man was insulted by the comments made on the radio show stating, "I am outraged that Chris Baker and Langdon Perry would minimize such a serious and deadly issue. Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable."¹

In response to the comments, the radio station announced that they would air public service ads on HIV and AIDS awareness.²

Fast Facts

1. Baker and Perry joked that Johnson had faked AIDS
2. Johnson was outraged by insensitive comment
3. Johnson was diagnosed with the HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus in 1991
4. Johnson was forced to retire from the National Basketball Association
5. Johnson was never diagnosed with AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Radio Transcript

• Perry: What about diseases that are eminently treatable and you can live with for a long, long time quite healthily if you just get some basic drugs?

• Baker: Like Magic Johnson.

• Perry: Like Magic with his faked AIDS. Magic faked AIDS.

• Baker: You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?

• Perry: I'm convinced that Magic faked AIDS.

• Baker: Yeah, me too.

• Perry: It falls apart...

• Baker: Which is horrible.

• Perry: ...when you get into motivation. I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty sure he faked AIDS.

• Baker: I've got a great e-mail here from...

• Perry: 'Cause he's the only cured AIDS guy ever.³

KLTK Statement

• To better inform our listeners and employees, KTLK will be airing HIV/AIDS awareness public service announcements, and will be reaching out to Mr. Johnson to get his thoughts on education efforts.⁴

Related Pages on Mahalo

• Magic Johnson | AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome | HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus | National Basketball Association | Los Angeles Lakers | Larry Bird | Michael Jordan | Charles Barkley | Jerry West | Jerry Buss | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Julius Erving | Kobe Bryant | Shaquille O'Neal | Magic Johnson Gay Marriage

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