Magic Johnson rips KTLK over “faked AIDS" comment
Posted on October 9th, 2008 – 6:10 PM
By Michael Rand
We don’t usually post this late — the evening is reserved for revelry and snacks — but we thought we should pass along a press release we just received from PR folks about comments made yesterday on KTLK, a local radio station, about retired NBA great Magic Johnson. Here is the full release:

Today, in response to an item from Media Matters for America documenting KTLK radio hosts Chris Baker and Langdon Perry agreeing that “Magic faked AIDS,� former basketball star and philanthropist Earvin “Magic" Johnson denounced the comments as callous and insensitive to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

“I am extremely disappointed in KTLK in Minneapolis. I am outraged that Chris Baker and Langdon Perry would minimize such a serious and deadly issue. Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable," Johnson said. “Chris, Langdon and KTLK should use their power in a more positive light by encouraging people to get tested for this disease instead of making up such ridiculous lies."

During the October 8 broadcast of KTLK’s The Chris Baker Show, Perry asked: “What about diseases that are eminently treatable and you can live with for a long, long time quite healthily if you just get some basic drugs?" Baker interjected, “like Magic Johnson," to which Perry replied, “Like Magic with his faked AIDS." After Baker asked, “You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?" Perry stated, “I’m convinced that Magic faked AIDS." Baker replied, “Yeah, me too." Perry added: “It falls apart when you get into motivation. I’m not sure why, but I’m pretty sure he faked AIDS. … Cause he’s the only cured AIDS guy ever."

The transcript and audio are at the above link. Insensitive, unfunny and worthy of ripping. No more needs to be said by us. Perhaps you have some thoughts, though.

I thought Magic didn't have AIDS?

Just HIV?

Magic should give em AIDS and show em.

Low class losers!

Why would Magic ever fake AIDS or HIV in the prime of his career? It doesn't even make sense to think about.

Magic Johnson criticized a pair of talk show hosts Friday for accusing him of faking AIDS but said he didn't want them to be fired.

Chris Baker and Langdon Perry of KTLK in Minneapolis made the remarks during Baker's conservative radio show on Wednesday. After Johnson condemned the statements, the station said it regretted "some offhand remarks" by the pair.

"We can't have people out here making false statements and putting out bad information, because this battle is too big when it comes to HIV and AIDS," Johnson told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

"I poured my life into it and a lot of other people have poured their life into it, into getting out the right information so people can protect themselves and know what HIV and AIDS is all about."

Johnson called the remarks "so stupid," and said he hadn't heard from the station. He also wants the hosts to keep their jobs.

"I would rather they educate their audience," he said.

According to a partial transcript and audio clip posted on a media watchdog site, mediamatters.org, the remarks came after a caller asserted that health care isn't a basic right. Perry responded by asking about treatable diseases that a person can live with for a long time "if you just get some basic drugs."

Baker responded, "Like Magic Johnson?"

Perry replied, "Like Magic with his faked AIDS. Magic faked AIDS."

Baker said, "You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?"

Perry replied, "I'm convinced that Magic faked AIDS."

"Me too," Baker said.

Johnson was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 and then retired from the NBA at 32.

KTLK's statement said it recognized the seriousness of AIDS and the "great work" Johnson has done to call attention to the disease.

"We regret that some offhand remarks by commentators on KTLK did not reflect that," the statement said. "To better inform our listeners and employees, KTLK will be airing HIV/AIDS awareness public service announcements, and will be reaching out to Mr. Johnson to get his thoughts on education efforts."

Program director Steve Versnick said the station wouldn't comment beyond the statement.

Johnson, 49, said his health is "wonderful." He also noted that he has HIV, not AIDS.

"You have incredible drugs now," he said. "I'm working out every day."

yup...shows what a good man magic is. those morons should lose their jobs