Basketball legend Magic Johnson speaks about how be “became the face of HIV”

Irwin “Magic” Johnson, a name synonymous with both basketball and HIV activism. He proved that HIV doesn’t have to be a barrier to both a personal life or a career.

Magic Johnson has been living openly with HIV for 30 years, achieved great success in the world of sports, and is rightfully considered not only a legendary basketball player - but a legendary man.

This year Magic decided to tell his story to the world through a four-part documentary to be released on Apple TV+. Famous friends such as Barack Obama, Michael Jordon, Dwayne Wade and Dr Anthony Fauci help tell the story of a man who reached great heights and survived more than one fall.

In 1991, Johnson was diagnosed with HIV - this whilst he was at the peak of his career and playing for the LA Lakers. But he did not let his diagnosis break him, he decided to become not only a basketball player but a “HIV/AIDS representative”.

"When I announced HIV, people thought it was the death sentence, including me, and now I'm sitting here 30 years later," said Magic Johnson.