False Story About Magic Johnson Is Trending This Week

NBA legend Magic Johnson is making headlines these days and stories about him are now trending. What happened? A parody sports media account used an old photo of the former Lakers director of basketball operations suggesting that he is donating blood.

The photo shows Johnson getting his routine blood draw, but someone thought it would be appropriate if they share it with a false story. Did Johnson donate blood to “help underprivileged communities fight COVID-19”? Absolutely not.

“The image of a doctor taking blood from Johnson’s arm is from the 2012 PBS Frontline documentary ‘Endgame: AIDS in Black America.'” fact-checkers at The Associated Press made everything clear.

Fact Check: Magic Johnson Did NOT Donate Blood To 'Help Underprivileged Communities Help Fight COVID-19' In This Video https://t.co/hNtLZshtSS

— Lead Stories (@LeadStoriesCom) August 22, 2022

Magic Johnson reacts after his trending story triggers chaos

It was a false story, but some people really thought that Johnson did something like that.

The Hall of Famer became aware of the backlash he received after the photo went viral, so he offered an explanation.

I’m aware of the false story circling the internet, and to be clear, I have never donated blood.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 23, 2022

“I’m aware of the false story circling the internet, and to be clear, I have never donated blood,” Johnson wrote.

For those who don’t know, Johnson has HIV. He delivered official statement ahead of the 1991-92 NBA season.

A preseason physical revealed that Johnson had contacted the virus. He delivered a press conference to confirm his diagnosis and retired from the NBA. It was a big blow for the basketball legend, but he did what he had to do. He and his agent at the time, Lon Rosen, talked about his next move. Johnson even asked his agent to take care of his family. Sadly, Johnson even contemplated suicide.

Johnson was told that he doesn’t have much time and doctors told him he was on “the line.” He was an optimist and here he is today, looking really good. He protected his immune system and received the best treatment. Advanced medicine helps him live with the virus. The three-year prognosis became a fulfilling 31 years and Johnson is really proud of himself. This is his greatest achievement. Staying alive and spending time with his loved ones. That’s what makes life beautiful.