Magic Johnson is outraged!
A Minneapolis radio station said Friday it would air public service announcements on HIV/AIDS after a pair of talk hosts accused former NBA star Magic Johnson of faking AIDS. KTLK’s Chris Baker and Langdon Perry made the remarks during Baker’s conservative talk show on Wednesday, Fox Sports reports. After Johnson condemned the statements, the station on Friday said it regretted “some off-hand remarks” by the pair. 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, in a statement Thursday, said he was “outraged that Chris Baker and Langdon Perry would minimize such a serious and deadly issue.” He added: “Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS, and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable. 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.” 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.
