Born This Way: The Rise of EJ Johnson

1. King EJ

If you’ve been sleepin’ on EJ Johnson, it’s time to wake up. Magic Johnson’s son is slaying the game a hundred different ways, but this rising star is more than just a pretty face and a killer wardrobe. Hit the flip to go back to where it all began…

2. Born Fabulous

Magic and Cookie Johnson’s second-born son, who’s given name is Earvin Johnson III, broke onto the scene in 2013 as an out-and-proud gay man with fierce style and a lot to say. Rather than play coy with the paparazzi like so many rising stars, Johnson stepped out onto the Sunset Strip, hand-in-hand with his boyfriend, and made it clear that his NBA legend father was fully supportive of his identity.

3. Time to Shine

EJ never planned on standing in his famous dad’s shadow. “I always wanted to come into the spotlight,” he told ESPN in 2013. “I always had dreams and plans of doing my own thing and creating my own image, so it came a little sooner than I thought it would but this is still something I knew I would be going through and would have to experience.”

4. Reality Fears

In 2014, EJ made his reality TV debut on #RichKids of Beverly Hills. At one time, though, his parents tried to dissuade their son from starring in a reality show, fearing that it would give homophobes, and the media, to attack their young son. Instead, it has lead to millions of EJ-obsessed fans.

5. Less Is More

In 2014, EJ told TMZ that he had undergone gastric sleeve surgery, which helped him “jumpstart” a healthier lifestyle. A year later, the star was an incredible 100 pounds lighter. He told Wendy Williams, that people like Jennifer Hudson served as his inspiration. “It’s something that I struggled with and I needed that push in the right direction. And now my mindset is completely changed.”

6. Family First

EJ always credits his family’s support for his confidence and swagger. “I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do,” he’s said. “When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.”

7. Standing Tall

While EJ may not have inherited his father’s NBA dreams, he definitely has the frame. He stands at 6’2” in bare feet, and add to that his love of mega-high heels and EJ always makes a big entrance.

8. #TeamThis

Of course, EJ even has his own hashtag! He started using #TeamThis on his Instagram posts and now fans all over the world follow suit. As EJ proudly states in his IG bio, “Why be anything else when you can be THIS.”

9. Fashion Forward

EJ is known for his incredible fashion sense, so it’s no surprise he has made appearances on Fashion Police and E! News, and even covered the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week as a special correspondent.

10. Don’t Get It Twisted

With his closet full of Chanel womenswear, it’s easy to assume EJ is transitioning. The reality star recently responded to rumors that he was becoming a woman, saying, “If I come out in a Diane Sawyer interview and I’m like, ‘Diane I just want to let the world know I’m becoming a woman.’ Until that day everyone needs to have a seat.”

11. The New Workout Plan

EJ sat down with EOnline to discuss his very own fitness secrets, saying, “For me I just constantly throughout the day I just nibble as opposed to sitting down for large meals.” Adding, “”I do a lot of Pilates,” EJ said. “I try to get at least four days a week in, so it’s a lot of that.” He stressed the importance of finding a workout that is fun.

12. EJ and the City

Arguably the biggest stars of #RichKids, EJ will now be taking his talents to a new E! show that will also feature his sister Elisa Johnson; Samaria Smith, daughter of LL Cool J; and Persian real estate development heir Sanaz Panahi among others from Johnson’s fashion-first crew as they jet-set from coast to coast.

13. The Future Of Fashion

When asked if he has plans to dip his toes in creating his own fashion line at an NBCUniversal event, EJ admitted, “In time there will be a fashion like. I’m just waiting for the right time…and when the right time is here, I will do it.”

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