2. Magic Johnson
One of the most notable celebrities living with HIV is five-time NBA champion, Magic Johnson. In 1991, Johnson shocked the world when he announced he was HIV-positive, and he immediately retired from the game. Sports fans worldwide were left speechless, but they still nominated him to play in the NBA All-Star game. A few players spoke out, and asked that Johnson not take the court at risk of spreading the disease to other players. Remember, this is back when many were still ignorant of the virus and how it was spread. Johnson later returned to the Lakers for the 95-96 season, and he was still able to play at the same level he had before. Today, Johnson is at the helm of the Magic Johnson Foundation, an organization that funds programs addressing HIV and AIDS prevention. He thought HIV would be a death sentence, but his health has continued to thrive. Johnson has been noted as being the one to singlehandedly change the perception of HIV in the U.S.
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