Such is the case with Minneapolis radio hosts Chris Baker and Langdon Perry, who attempted to make this joke at Magic Johnson's expense. Listen for yourself to their ridiculously insensitive comments, then we'll reconvene.
"He's the only cured AIDS guy ever." Nice. Predictably, Magic himself was not amused. His response to these clowns, after the jump.
"I am extremely disappointed in KTLK in Minneapolis. 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," Johnson said. "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."So many times when something like this goes down, the celebrity won't want to dignify comments like these with a response. But Magic handled it the right way, by releasing a statement and letting these guys know that they should be using their platform for something more positive.
Magic Johnson Photos
Steve Stoute and Stephon Marbury attend Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Johnny Nunez/WireImage.com
Earvin "Magic" Johnson, left, speaks during a town hall meeting Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, in Lansing, Mich., backing Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and discussing Obama's urban policy. Johnson, whose hometown is Lansing, is a former NBA and Michigan State basketball star and now an entrepreneur known for redevelopment projects in urban areas. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
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Earvin "Magic" Johnson listens to a question during a town hall meeting Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, in Lansing, Mich., backing Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and discussing Obama's urban policy. Johnson, whose hometown is Lansing, is a former NBA and Michigan State basketball star and now an entrepreneur known for redevelopment projects in urban areas. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
AP
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 10: NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson smiles while watching Game Three of the 2008 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics on June 10, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Earvin Johnson
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Former NBA player Magic Johnson attends the BookExpo America 2008 held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Magic Johnson
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Author Philippa Gregory and former NBA player Magic Johnson attend the BookExpo America 2008 held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Philippa Gregory;Magic Johnson
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Actor Alec Baldwin, author Philippa Gregory, former NBA player Magic Johnson and author Andre Dubus III attend the BookExpo America 2008 held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alec Baldwin;Philipa Gregory;Magic Johnson;Andre Dubus III
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Actor Alec Baldwin, author Philippa Gregory, former NBA player Magic Johnson and author Andre Dubus III attend the BookExpo America 2008 held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alec Baldwin;Philipa Gregory;Magic Johnson;Andre Dubus III
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Author Philippa Gregory and former NBA player Magic Johnson attend the BookExpo America 2008 held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Philippa Gregory;Magic Johnson
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Author Philippa Gregory and former NBA player Magic Johnson attend the BookExpo America 2008 held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Philippa Gregory;Magic Johnson
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Comments (Page 1 of 31)
Perry and Baker need to be punished for their insensitive comments. You can be sure if they arent at least suspended there will be some backlash toward KTLK. Magic handled it like a gentleman.
Oh bullcrap. Chris Rock and other comedians have joked about Majic Johnson having aids, and no one made a fuss. Chris Rock went so far as to say if he ever had aids he would want Majic Johnson aids because he looks healthy. I paraphrased his remarks so if you find them they may be a slight difference. What is not different is Chris' remarks were an observation of the issue just as these guys made reference to.
Well, although I wouldn't wish HIV/AIDS on an animal, it does make one wonder if Magic Johnson ever had it in the first place. It's amazing how those with so much money can be found a cure is so, or be able to live a healthly life, while the poor surely must die. Leave these guy alone. IT'S-CALLED-FREEDOM-OF-SPEACH!!!
They are shock jocks. What they said is stupid but I bet most of what they say is stupid. Magic obviously wouldn't come out and say he has aids if he didn't and it sounds to me like these dudes are joking. Silly people getting all worked up...is it because its Magic or are we just bored?
really why do you care? go home and punish your kids. if you dont like the show then don't listen. they work just everyone else, to make money and they obviously got your attention so they have what they want. this society needs to stop being so politically correct! why does everyone in this country feel that they more important everyone else besides who made celebrities role models?
We can call our President anything on National TV, late night shows, radio shows, cable, all comedians go this route when they need a laugh from the puppets in the audience...BUT WE CAN'T MAKE A JOKE ABOUT MAGIC? YOU ARE ALL LOSERS. MAGIC CONTRACTED HIV AND IT WAS A JOKE. MAGIC HAS BATTLED IT AND IT WAS A JOKE. NOW MANY YEARS LATTER WHEN HE IS IN BETTER HEALTH...WE CAN'T MAKE A JOKE. Obama, running for president and a senator, gets called all kinds of names and nothing. McCains age is always made fun of and nothing. But Magic is untouchable. Tough crap. Magic is just a big fat has been.
Charlie,
What country do you live in? Last time I checked we ALL were still protected by the constitution, freedom of speech ring a bell? I don't like what they said either but to say they should be punished? Maybe reprimanded or fired by their radio station for bad publicity. But probably not because their radio station is probably getting more attention than ever before.
I notice Magic chooses to pontificate instead of volunteering to settle the issue positively (by getting an AIDS test).
Are you serious? Punish them for their insensitivity? First Amendment my friend.
Sure Magic has every right to be pissed off but they can say whatever they want. If I call you a "retard," sure, you'll be mad and if I were a friend, we'd duke it out... but I am expressing my right to freedom of speach just like these guys.
Yeah, it was a bit disrespectful but again... they can say what they want.
It's a couple of guys joking around. Really now.....have we become so tight assed that we can't make fun anymore.It seems that some poeple are just too sensetive. Lighten up.
We've become a society that looks to jump on anyone who dares to say " the wrong thing ". It was done in fun.......................get a life. There are more important things to go after. Why am I even wasting my time writing this...?
Let's just contine to rise above the negative and continue to encourage each other.
I am the founder of T 30/30, an organization dedicated to helping women and men deal with real life issues such as relationships and health. I am a motivational and inspirational speaker who focuses on groups such as single and working men and women. I have over come such issues as teenage pregnancy (son is now 28 years old), abusive relationships (now happily married for over 17 years) and obesity (losing over 100 lbs naturally).
After putting my son through college in 12/05, I begin college in 4/06 and have since received my Associates Degree with honors in 9/07. I hope to complete my degree in 2009 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management, 27 years in the business field, and resides in Picayune, MS with my husband William, daughter Tanisha and son Ricky who resides in Texas.
Between my husband and I, we have lost over 30 family members the last 17 years. I lost five love ones in one day. Due to Hurricane Katrina, I did lose my job. I started my new job with NSSC in January 2006. I am determined to rise above all adversities and enjoy life. I was selected for the 2008 People's Magazine Weight Challenge. This was a challenge, because I lost both my uncle and father-in-law this year; however, my health is very important to my future success both in my personal and professional life. The first issue came out on the stands Friday January 6, 2008 and the last issue will came out 09/27/08. The show aired 09/30/08 on ABC @ 9:00 p.m. central time and appear on the Good Morning America Show 09/29/09 to promote the show. I also appeared on the Good Morning America Live Radio Show, E! News, ABCnews.com and Entertainment Tonight.
I am open-minded so, if any of you have any ideas, comments or suggestions, please do not hesitate to share them with me. Due to our country struggle with obesity, my goal is to open a YMCA for my community, complete my book, play and movie about my life to encourage others.
Please see links:
http://www.picayuneitem.com/homepage/local_story_285141720.html
Two shows-http://abcnews.go.com/search?searchtext=HALF%20MY%20SIZE&type=
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20228966,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnn
http://www.picayuneitem.com/features/local_story_360140916.h
It is kind of strange. He is the only person who has been cured of AIDS. HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM They are just saying what we are thinking. At least I am.
What stupidity!! Are you upset that Magichasnot died or look like a wasted zombie? Read!! If you have money and can afford your treatments, you can live for a long time w/Aids, and it also depends on the stage in which it was caught. I woul say Magic can definitely afford to look out for his care, wouldnt you?
To the idiot who thinks magic Johnson is cured, Hello......... there is no cure for Aids. You need to educate yourself buddy. The cocktail(medication for aids) that Magic takes like millions of other people eventually will leave a person with no viral load in ther blood stream and there T-Cell count high. Although the virus is not detected they still have the disease. If you think he is cured then sleep with him unproyected and lets see what happens.
It appears you're not doing any thinking at all. He hasn't been "cured". Idiot.
Then you are an idiot too!
I think about a lot of this but I just dont say it in front of millions of people. IF IT WAS SOMEONE YOU KNEW YOU WOULD BE PISSED. I had a family member that died from that HIV and its not a petty sight nor something to joke about. LIke you said Chris Rock may hav e joked about it (even then not funny) but these guys flat out said he was lying and Chris never said that. Just because he is a rich Black man its seems to be okay. No one joked about White rich men who had it. I think that its just another attack on Minorities and dont hate due to the fact that he has enough money to buy the needed medicine unlike the millions who cant afford treatment. You dont die from having HIN idiots you die from the complactions and if you have the right doctors and medicine to treat those side affects then you ccan live with it. Unlike Rock Hudson and Liberochie( or whoever you spell its name) they did from aids and that a big difference.
ONE! MAGIC JOHNSON WAS NEVER CURED OF AIDS... HE NEVER WENT TO THE AIDS SYMPTOM LEVEL!!! HE IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE HIV+!! HE HAS NEVER HAD FULL BLOWN AIDS!!! MAGIC'S T-CELL COUNT IS EXTREMELY HIGH!! THIS IS DUE TO THE WEALTH AND KNOWLEDGE OF MAGIC AND HIS MEDICAL TEAM!!
He NEVER said he was cured with AIDS. He never even GOT AIDS! He was diagnosed as HIV positive and immediately started on the "cocktail" that they give people to either put AIDS into remission of some sort, or to prevent the HIV from going into full blown AIDS in the first place. He has to stay on that for the rest of his life, so I don't consider that being cured, much less cured of AIDS when he never claimed to have it in the first place.
AIDS, is a man made sickness, my little cousion was born with it. Today she is 15yrs old. About a yr ago, she went to the doctors. There is no more HIV in her body, Magic, I'm sure is a true believer in GOD. He can afford to take care of himself the right way. For those assholes who thinks he faked it, Go to hell!