Magic and Cookie Johnson on surviving HIV, stopping the stigma and building an empire

"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King sits down with Magic and Cookie Johnson exclusively ahead of the 30th anniversary of his HIV diagnosis.
Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings” co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and 8 a.m. ET on CBSN.
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[@jolyfrye1871]

I remember watching the newscast live...📺 I cried like a baby. So happy he's still going strong. Also super rich.💲

[@pamelaowens3826]

Me2

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done

[@johngordon5168]

Cookie is the definition of a wife standing by her husband!

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

Magic would be that one guy that you'd love to hang out with at a barbecue or ball game. He's very smart, friendly and knowledgeable over just about everything. Most importantly: He's kind.

[@SenCuteReview]

#DRETIKO is a great herbal doctor he who takes time with the patient to help them with their health issues! I highly recommend his KZbin to anyone looking for a total cure for HSV..

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done

[@listen2100]

Bless you Magic! Happy 64th Birthday!

[@aidabarreto3920]

I am so happy for Magic and Cookies's lasting memories and marriage.

[@SenCuteReview]

#DRETIKO is a great herbal doctor he who takes time with the patient to help them with their health issues! I highly recommend his KZbin to anyone looking for a total cure for HSV..

[@kevingreen2400]

That was 30 years ago, and I remember that announcement like it was yesterday...

[@sopamarucha2388]

Such a great humble guy.. Bless their 👪

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done-

[@TriciaRP]

@@arizona701 stop posting this mess all over the channels. It is ridiculous. Stupid

[@bluet6898]

Incredible, remember that press conference and many wondered including me was it a death sentence- in my case back in the 80's and 90's lost family and friends to AIDS so what a difference to see some one survive it.

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done----

[@stephengiese7549]

This lady is a jewel! Full of love, courage and drive to overcome whatever. Magic figured it out with her help. Get up off that couch! Thank you and thanks utube.

[@thefairobserver97]

Honestly, I think the couple doesn't want us to know that she was negative! It could be a very rare situation where in the initial stages the partner couldn't be infected, as at that phase the contagious level is too high.

[@pamelaowens3826]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽thank you utube.

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done-

[@kufarimahdi9636]

@@PS-nd7to I save 500 on Geico thx Dr Ektico

[@pamelaowens3826]

I so happy to hear nd shared their stories coming from both of them it's so awesome!!

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done-

[@jasperhesterjr1134]

100% very helpful!! Mind strengthen

[@jasonkenner5468]

Wow Magic Johnson looks Great to be 62 years old

[@coreysettlessr9158]

I'm soooo glad that Magic Johnson is still with us today. As Lakers fan started in the 80's I enjoy watching Magic and other great lakers players over the years especially watching the lakers and celtics match up, always exciting to see Magic and Larry bird go head to head on basketball court, bring back the old memories of rivalry. Also as former healthcare worker, HIV was serious illness, and seeing people first hand of how the disease effected the human body was terrible. It's was considered as death sentence back 80's and 90's. But today they do have better treatment to be able to slow down the virus and people are living longer thanks to medical science we have today. God bless Magic and his family.

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done----

[@wood8715]

I applaud him and am thrilled he is still alive!

[@pamelaowens3826]

God is Good

[@gemmab8626]

I’m happy he’s still alive. He really has made the most of his life, and I think that that in itself is inspiring. So many people waste their life - even after a diagnosis. May God bless him and Cookie and their lovely family.

[@SenCuteReview]

#DRETIKO is a great herbal doctor he who takes time with the patient to help them with their health issues! I highly recommend his KZbin to anyone looking for a total cure for HSV..

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done----

[@jenniferrobinson8494]

I love ❤️ you as a player and best of luck too you and your family!!

[@als7132]

Super picture of strength and how to push forward…

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done-

[@amazonglamazon6633]

“And you can live through anything if Magic made it” Kanye West

[@nathanbanda8877]

Endless Hiv/aids battles and struggles for decades has helped to reveal the weakness and limitations inherent in mankind to solve problems affecting humanity and the world, but there’s someone more than mankind who is able to solve problems affecting mankind and the world.Today,Hiv/aids is driving more and more people to believe and acknowledge that there’s someone more than mankind who is able to solve problems affecting humanity and the world, and his word and prophecies are being fulfilled.

[@green2147]

❤love your mentality Majic and Cookie. The power of love😊

[@AndrewsOpinion15]

MAGIC JOHNSON SO AWESOME ON CBS MORINGS !!!

[@RessurrectionGraves]

Whatever this camera is, I want it. It’s amazing!

[@pamelaowens3826]

Clear as the blue sky cocktail look at God just 0ne,0ne he's a walking miracle!!!

[@tylerj2113]

For better or worse some married couples could take this for an example.... you guys are amazing and set a great feeling an example

[@pamelaowens3826]

God been with Magic every since thts why he is so blessed by God Magic do give back!! Love them both she's a strong black woman.

[@josephishakwukabiru7499]

I am so grateful with the immediate healing I got through Dr odija channel on KZbin keep on the good work doc..

[@TM-kc4xq]

#Absolutelyloveit Thank you Magic for showing us how to take advantage of God's another chance! Love the Johnson's

[@SenCuteReview]

#DRETIKO is a great herbal doctor he who takes time with the patient to help them with their health issues! I highly recommend his KZbin to anyone looking for a total cure for HSV..

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done-

[@xtina__32]

Cookie was the original imma stick beside him 🥴

[@auntiez4917]

That's what marriage is, though 🤷‍♀️

[@amcra1]

and?

[@KLAMATH32]

We all make mistakes in life. Magic Johnson is not above that. I understand he's a public figure, but that doesn't mean he has to be perfect. I think everything he's done for others is far and above the mistakes he's made. I've loved that man since I was 9 years old and he was a rookie in the NBA. I was cheering for him then, I was cheering for him in 1991, and I'll be cheering him the rest of the way........

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done

[@ssherrierable]

Nah they told you that you won’t die. We’re gonna sell you the cure but don’t tell anyone, it’s only for rich ppl.

[@carmelcouncil8941]

🥺😔

[@ciku-ciku7194]

No. I know regular people on RV regimen that’s been +ve for years. Not unusual.

[@wwedxecw]

There’s a cure for everything….NATURALLY

[@mikefolknation2851]

I still dont know how an HIV+ person could have unprotected sex and a baby with someone and not give them HIV.

[@zoeytaylor45]

Science 🥰

[@mikefolknation2851]

@@zoeytaylor45 but he was supposedly HIV positive since June of 1990 until November of 1991 presumably having unprotected sex with cookie the whole time. He never passed it to her?

[@shantejohnson2267]

Idk

[@amcra1]

then you’re an idiot

[@blanchedixon9625]

By the Grace of God.

[@Be1smaht]

REMEMBER THINGS CAN HAPPEN TO YOU But they DONT have to DEFINE YOU.. He kept going. Probably more successful than he wouldve been. YOU DETERMINE WHERE YOU END UP. You're welcome

[@ericjohnson4489]

He looks healthier than people without hiv

[@ArnitaBlo]

Yes, he does... ❤️🙏🏽👍🏽

[@pamelaowens3826]

He gets the best in the west hiv meds. If u got Money, you got da best Money can buy!!!

[@crystalmason829]

I am happy he survived...its a miracle.

[@cocoaorange1]

Proves you have to have faith, and take care of yourself.

[@pamelaowens3826]

It's God

[@sobliss5200]

It’s not a miracle at all HIV is honestly better than having diabetes nowadays with how far treating has come

[@crystalmason829]

@@sobliss5200 wow how u say that diabetes ain't contagious

[@sobliss5200]

@@crystalmason829 and with the right medicine HIV isn’t either (during sex), also the life expectancy of someone with hiv under the right medication is significantly longer than a diabetic

[@thinktank2255]

What a good interview. He looks healthy, good spirited and strong. Gayle is right that Cookie has a lot to do with that. She knew him best. I met him when I was a very insecure young woman at a 4th of July swim party at his house in California. It was years before his diagnosis. He was (tall) quiet, joyful and observant. (A young man I knew got us into his party🙂. He probably thought, I didn’t invite these people.😁) The Lakers Cheerleaders were there because I knew one. Many people were there, and Isiah Thomas was there. Cookie wasn’t there. However, his heart must have been reserved for Cookie because he wasn’t with any woman at his party. In fact, I observed him shooting baskets on the basketball court at his house while women were wearing swimsuits (respectfully). He was very gracious. 👩🏽‍🦱🇺🇸

[@PS-nd7to]

Thank you so much Dretiko on KZbin for the understanding in curing my HIV completely, I want to appreciate you for the awesome thing you have done----

[@byiza9484]

He looks great! Wonder what his regimen is?

[@justinw8512]

Legend

[@lg3385]

I see Magic interviews, I click.

[@pamelaowens3826]

Look at God just 0ne cocktail a day look at God Magic is a walking miracle. Such a heartfelt story thanks a million for sharing yours nd Cookie story.

[@frederickopokuagyemang4139]

I WOULD BE LIKE HIM IN LOOKS AND IN BUSINESS INN3 YEARS TIME!

[@chipo-lweendomwiindilila3689]

God can't give you a battle you can't fight. Believe in yourself

[@burn8099]

Beautiful couple

[@ronaldburse7610]

❤

[@karatekai6384]

Can someone tell me and excuse my ignorance how can you have aids free children if the aid has aids and how did Cookie not catch it

[@2ndshifter623]

Wouldn't be here today but he realized the Remdesivir was killing him and he stopped taking it..good on him..

[@chrisspathelf2310]

He's rich so that gives you an idea if you have money one can beat hiv or even aids but not other diseases like cancer and so on I'm sure his competive side helped abit he's one of top 20 greatest NBA players of all time.

[@Mylife-yd9xq]

How does remdesivir kills a human and how do you know he was taking those injections if Remdesivir is in a class of medications called antivirals. It works by stopping the virus from spreading in the body. Just in case I have HIV may have gotten it through breastmilk I don't want to take remdesivir I don't want to die did he say he had allergic reactions or symptoms from that medication?

[@xan8123]

Imagine finding out your husband cheats on you SO much to the point he gets infected with a disease then you stand by him knowing if luck wasn’t in your favor, you could’ve gotten it too 😂

[@speedy4530]

Crazy how winning time hits different

[@jujutu5084]

Everyone held their breath when Cookie became pregnant.... And talking about exhaling when they were negative.

[@veronicasaint5811]

Gayle when you and Oprah gonna read us parts of the diary written by Ashley Biden? ❤️

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

Because it's stolen property ? 🙄

[@trooparline2688NBNY]

Who's the lady doing the interview?????

[@1inchpunisher715]

Oprah

[@misstruboyzrc]

I wonder what happened to the person that gave it to him…

[@josepascual1298]

Back in 1991 I was 12 years old , I remember that moment when he announces his diagnosis, I remember that same year 1991 they developed 4 new drugs for aids very effective , but still aids was a death sentence , it was not until 1995 , 96 when they developed protease inhibitor and antiretroviral therapy aids was not a death sentence, thanks to the scientist

[@beverlycromwell9805]

he doesnt look like it he looks so healthy

[@msboys1000]

He is a billionaire with proper medications

[@lthomas7008]

He is one lucky man. After likely cheating on his wife with multiple women and then getting HIV, she still stuck around. Wow. Unheard of. Whatever works for them. Not sure if most women would have stuck around. He not only cheated on her but put her life in jeopardy given there was potential she could have gotten hiv from him. It’s always interesting to see him in interviews given I’ve never heard him mention, which he may have an interview I didn’t see, the fact that he cheated. It’s an example of how men can do a lot of things that go against their wedding vows and yet some women will stay. The bottom line is whatever works for their relationship but it’s interesting that I’ve never heard him talk about how he got HIV. I guess The bottom line is that’s between him and his wife. They are lucky! Wow. All the best.

[@KLAMATH32]

OK Karen . 👎👎

[@thinktank2255]

No, that’s not how it happened. He contracted the virus before they were married. I believe the timeline is in this video.

[@lthomas7008]

@@thinktank2255 regardless if they were married, she was pregnant when he found out.

[@JC_inc]

@@lthomas7008 Yeah, you’re goody two shoes, who never made mistakes, aren’t you?

[@Mylife-yd9xq]

God exists and god makes miracles I'm 27years old I cheated on my girlfriend mother of my 3 children a month ago we are now going to get married I told her I cheated on her and may have contracted HIV through breastmilk from another woman I pray to god I don't but I will expect the worst i have swollen tonsil and headache just today I felt a hard cyst on side of mouth see through clear like water I just hope it's syphilis and not HIV I cried and begged her to not leave me I'm glad she is staying with me for the long haul I love her with all my heart as well as our children I will never ever cheat on her ever again I hate myself I make sure I won't pass anything on to her or anyone.

[@bemindful724]

People say he's been cured long ago. Who knows.

[@amazonglamazon6633]

Money can cure HIV.

[@MrsBaty-wo9jm]

Gayle looks great!

[@jessicahubbard7218]

Yes she does always

[@jakendrickwilliams8101]

No she doesn't what are you talking about? you do know gayle wears a wig.😂😂😂

[@MrsBaty-wo9jm]

@@jakendrickwilliams8101 I don’t care about your opinion.

[@jakendrickwilliams8101]

@@MrsBaty-wo9jm if you don't care about my opinion then why are you responding back to me.

[@MrsBaty-wo9jm]

@@jakendrickwilliams8101 I can be generous and I have been known to donate my time to charity. But do not be confused I sincerely do not care what your opinion is. Nor should you care about my opinion. We are complete strangers which is why you should not have replied to my comment to begin with. If that’s your opinion then make your own initial post and don’t reply to mine. Good day now, bye bye.

[@natewiltse]

I think the funniest thing is there's no remorse, acting like HIV just showed up without sleeping around constantly lol what a hero

[@a.w6047]

Magic! 5 times🏀 #HOF

[@locngo]

I am NOT gay. But Magic has an incredible smile any energy.

[@juneblogger22]

I see why you feel your wife is a lifesaver for you.

[@Dee-777]

Imma be honest, I don't think he has HIV.

[@AnthonyJohnson-hl1ru]

Why???

[@Dee-777]

@@AnthonyJohnson-hl1ru Because during the time period that he found out his status was a time when HIV was a death sentence. It cause major deterioration of the body after stating that he did has the virus later it was said that he did not! I remember the confusion about it.

[@lekis5975]

@@Dee-777 It depends on one's lifetime. He was a top sportsman, super fit, excellent diet, living right. It takes about 10 -15 years for the virus to become destructive. He had an early diagnosis which must have encouraged him to look after himself pretty early on, and it's paid off. I know someone who was diagnosed in 2004 and they're leading a healthy life in their 70s.

[@Mylife-yd9xq]

@@lekis5975 I may have HIV may have contracted it through breastmilk I hope I don't have hiv symptoms are swollen tonsils headache and a clear water cyst on my cheek inside my mouth I'm scared.

[@lekis5975]

@@Mylife-yd9xq I'm not a doctor. There's no need to be scared. You just need to be tested and receive the correct advise.

[@cynthiarosas8214]

Everyone needs salvation here are the words of salvation please forgive me jesus im a sinner come into my heart and save me from my sin I no that you are the savior and I no that you died for me on calvary and I no that God raise you from the dead and you are alive and I thankyou for your salvation in Jesus holy name amen and its important to always ask for forgiveness

[@traceyyvettecarrington7562]

Great interview, but that necklace Gayle got on, please throw it away...

[@vegasmitch8209]

Sooo he's alive 30yrs later, Wife & Son didn't get it even though his Son caught Gayness & NOOO Other NOT 1 Girlfriend got it??🤔 Did he ever really have it??

[@marilou20091]

His son was called Gayle, how could he not be gay?

[@vivianburton5800]

Me love cookies ...

[@eastside313yahdig.2]

When are you going to interview all these white males that’s been accused of sexual assault???

[@ssherrierable]

Or all the black males that have been accused of sexual assault?

[@kk-sr1wl]

Magic was a sexual monster during his time...

[@bobsingh5521]

So was I

[@shogun0127]

Magic still loves riding the hershey highway

[@shopersecret5245]

Dr. Sebi

[@marcomarko1759]

DAFUK GAYLE KING GOT THOSE HIDEOUS GLASSES??.....LORDD HAVE MERCY

[@vegasmitch8209]

Why Can't Black Be Positive Cookie?? 🤔

[@ronaldburse7610]

❤❤❤❤❤😂

[@lilleathturner7733]

WAS

[@kk-sr1wl]

Gale thiccc

[@jakendrickwilliams8101]

Gayle is so disrespectful to black man why do they do an interview with her.🤦

[@amazonglamazon6633]

She asks the tough questions. She’s not disrespecting anyone!! You’re a LOSER!!

[@thefalc0n97]

she stayed for the money

[@senadallangston5687]

Y’all love to say this smh…

[@thefalc0n97]

@@senadallangston5687 facts dont care about your feelings. why else would she stay im waiting🤣🤣🤣🤡

[@davidboat8467]

@@thefalc0n97 she could have gotten a divorce. She has a kid by him and his career was done.

[@ThecrazyJH96]

You realize that she could’ve gotten more money with a divorce right?😂

[@auntiez4917]

He retired so he wasn't making any money. She had no idea that he would be a successful businessman. She had been with Magic since college.