EJ Johnson: Why the Son of Magic Johnson is a Fashion Force in His Own Right

He walks into a room and the energy shifts. You’ve probably seen the photos—the capes, the sheer tops, the thigh-high boots that seem to go on for days. EJ Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson, doesn't just "wear" clothes. He weaponizes them.

Magic Johnson is a name synonymous with basketball royalty, five NBA championships, and a business empire that most people would give their left arm for. But for EJ, the spotlight was never about a triple-double or a jump shot. It was about authenticity.

Growing up as the son of Magic Johnson meant living in a very specific kind of shadow. Sports culture, especially in the 90s and early 2000s, wasn't exactly known for its embrace of gender-fluid fashion or flamboyant self-expression. Yet, Earvin Johnson III decided pretty early on that he wasn't going to play the game by anyone else's rules.

The Reality TV Breakthrough and Beyond

Most of the world got their first real taste of EJ’s personality on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills. It was a show that could have easily cast him as just another "famous offspring" with a credit card, but he stole the screen. People tuned in for the drama, but they stayed for his wit. He was sharp. He was funny. Honestly, he was the only one on that show who seemed to understand the absurdity of reality TV while simultaneously mastering it.

After the show took off, his weight loss journey became a massive talking point in the tabloids. He underwent gastric sleeve surgery in 2014 and lost over 100 pounds. While the physical transformation was what the gossip blogs focused on, the real story was his newfound confidence. He started leaning harder into his "gender-fluid" identity. He’s been very clear that he isn't transitioning—he just likes what he likes. He’s comfortable in his skin, whether that involves a skirt, a suit, or something that defies both categories entirely.

A Family Bond That Broke the Mold

When EJ came out publicly in 2013, after being photographed holding hands with a male friend, the reaction from his parents was a masterclass in modern parenting. It wasn't always perfect, though. Magic has been open about the fact that he struggled at first. It’s a human reaction. You grow up in a certain world, you expect your son to follow a certain path, and suddenly that path veers off into a forest you don't recognize.

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Magic once told Robin Roberts in an interview that he had to sit down and realize he had to support his son, no matter what. He said, "I had to come to realize that this is who he is, and he’s going to be happy. And so why am I trying to judge him?" That’s a heavy realization for a guy who grew up in the hyper-masculine environment of professional sports.

Cookie Johnson, EJ’s mother, was his fiercest advocate from day one. She’s often talked about the prayers and the long talks they had as a family. The result? A family unit that looks incredibly tight-knit. You see them on red carpets together, and it doesn't look like a PR stunt. It looks like love.

The Fashion Icon Status

If you follow fashion week, you know EJ is a front-row staple. He’s not there to just sit and look pretty; he’s there because he understands the architecture of a garment. His style is a mix of high-end luxury and absolute boundary-pushing. Think Chanel bags paired with leather leggings and sheer blouses.

• The Silhouette: He loves a long line. Whether it’s a floor-length coat or a dramatic shawl, he uses his height—he’s 6'2"—to create a presence that is impossible to ignore.
• The Details: It’s always about the textures. Lace, leather, silk. He mixes them in a way that feels intentional rather than cluttered.
• The Attitude: This is the most important part. You can wear the most expensive outfit in the world, but if you're wearing it like you're ashamed, it’s going to look terrible. EJ wears his clothes like armor.

People often ask why he doesn't just "be a model." But that’s too narrow for him. He’s a personality. He’s a voice for a generation of kids who don't feel like they fit into the "A" or "B" boxes of gender expression.

Addressing the Misconceptions

One of the biggest things people get wrong about EJ is the idea that he’s just "living off his dad’s name." While the Johnson name certainly opened doors, it didn't keep them open. The fashion world is notoriously fickle. If you don't have taste and a point of view, you're out. EJ has stayed relevant for over a decade because he actually has something to say.

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Another misconception is that his life is just one long party. He’s worked as a voice actor—most notably as Michael in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder—and he’s constantly involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy. He uses his platform to talk about things like HIV/AIDS awareness, continuing the legacy his father started back in 1991, but through a lens that resonates with Gen Z and Millennials.

The Cultural Impact of Being EJ Johnson

We talk a lot about "nepo babies" these days, but EJ represents a different side of that coin. He used his privilege to break down doors for people who don't have his resources. By being the son of Magic Johnson and being so unapologetically himself, he forced a conversation in the Black community and the sports world that was long overdue.

He showed that you can be "Magic Johnson’s son" and also be a fashion-forward, gender-fluid icon. Those two things aren't mutually exclusive. He’s redefined what "legacy" looks like. It’s not just about trophies; it’s about the courage to be seen.

What We Can Learn From His Journey

Honestly, the takeaway here isn't about fashion. It’s about the evolution of the family dynamic. The Johnsons showed that you can have disagreements and cultural gaps, but as long as the foundation is love, you can bridge those gaps.

EJ’s journey is about the power of self-definition. He could have been a businessman in a suit. He could have tried to play ball. He chose to be a 6'2" man in a lace top and a Birkin bag because that’s who he actually is. There’s something incredibly respectable about that kind of grit.

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Actionable Takeaways from EJ’s Approach to Life

If you’re looking to channel a bit of that EJ energy in your own life, here’s how to do it without needing a Beverly Hills bank account.

1. Define your own "Uniform"
You don't need designer labels. You need a silhouette that makes you feel powerful. Figure out what that is—maybe it’s oversized blazers, maybe it’s vintage denim—and own it. Consistency creates a personal brand.

2. Audit your support system
EJ’s success is partly due to his own strength, but also because his family eventually chose to stand by him. Look at the people around you. If they are trying to squeeze you into a box that doesn't fit, it might be time for some hard conversations or some new boundaries.

3. Use your "Legacy" for good
Whatever "privilege" you have—whether it’s a degree, a job title, or just a stable home—find a way to use it to advocate for someone who doesn't have it. EJ uses his name to highlight LGBTQ+ issues. What can you use your "name" for?

4. Don't fear the pivot
EJ went from a reality star to a fashion commentator to a voice actor. He didn't let one role define him forever. If you’re feeling stuck in your career or your personal identity, remember that you’re allowed to change your mind and your look as many times as you want.

EJ Johnson continues to be a polarizing figure for some, but for many others, he’s a beacon of what it looks like to live out loud. He’s not just the son of a basketball legend. He’s a legend in a completely different arena, playing a completely different game, and by all accounts, he’s winning.