‘He Survived HIV and His Son’: Fans Blast Jeff Teague’s Club 520 Podcast Host For Brutal Comments About Magic Johnson’s Family

In a recent episode of the Club 520 podcast, hosted by former NBA star Jeff Teague and co-host Bishop B. Henn, a comment made about NBA legend Magic Johnson has ignited a firestorm of criticism online. During a discussion intended to praise Johnson’s resilience, Henn remarked, “He survived HIV and his son…” The phrasing, particularly the reference to Johnson’s openly gay son, EJ Johnson, was met with swift backlash from fans and listeners who deemed it disrespectful, tone-deaf, and potentially homophobic. The comment quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation across social media platforms and prompting calls for an apology from the podcast team.

Magic Johnson, a Basketball Hall of Famer and cultural icon, has long been celebrated for his contributions both on and off the court. His 1991 announcement that he was HIV-positive shocked the sports world, coming at a time when the diagnosis was widely considered a death sentence. Johnson’s transparency about his condition and his subsequent advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness transformed public perceptions, turning him into a beacon of hope and resilience. Beyond his health challenges, Johnson has been a devoted family man, openly supporting his son EJ, who came out as gay in 2013. The father-son relationship has been a source of inspiration for many, with Johnson and his wife, Cookie, frequently expressing pride in EJ’s journey and his advocacy within the LGBTQ community.

The controversial remark on Club 520, however, cast a shadow over this legacy. Henn’s comment appeared to equate Johnson’s battle with HIV to “surviving” his son’s identity, a framing that many listeners found offensive. Social media platforms, including X, lit up with reactions, with users slamming the podcast for what they described as an ignorant and hurtful statement. One post on X called the remark “a low blow that disrespects both Magic’s health journey and his family,” while another demanded accountability, stating, “This isn’t just a hot take; it’s crossing a line.” The backlash highlighted the sensitivity of the subject matter, particularly given the personal nature of Johnson’s experiences with both HIV and his family.

In the episode, Jeff Teague was seen nodding during Henn’s comment but did not elaborate or challenge it, nor did the hosts attempt to clarify the statement. This silence has fueled further criticism, as fans argue the podcast team failed to address the gravity of the remark in real-time. Club 520, known for its candid, barbershop-style NBA discussions, has previously courted controversy with its unfiltered takes, but this incident has struck a particularly raw nerve. The podcast has yet to issue a public apology or response, leaving many to speculate whether the hosts will address the controversy in future episodes.

Magic Johnson, true to his reputation for grace under pressure, has not publicly responded to the comments, and sources close to him suggest he is unlikely to engage. Throughout his career, Johnson has faced scrutiny with dignity, from navigating the stigma of his HIV diagnosis in the early 1990s to championing his son’s individuality. In a 2022 interview with Variety, Johnson spoke candidly about his love for EJ, saying, “He changed me,” reflecting on how his son’s coming out deepened their bond. This sentiment underscores the strength of Johnson’s character, which many fans feel was unfairly targeted by the podcast’s remarks.

The incident also raises broader questions about the responsibility of public figures in discussing sensitive topics. Johnson’s HIV diagnosis and his family’s journey have been pivotal in reshaping societal attitudes, yet comments like those on Club 520 highlight the persistence of insensitivity in some corners of public discourse. The backlash reflects a growing demand for accountability, particularly when remarks touch on deeply personal issues like health and identity.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of empathy in public conversations. For Magic Johnson, the focus remains on his enduring legacy—one of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering support for his family. While the Club 520 podcast navigates the fallout, Johnson’s story continues to inspire, proving that his triumphs extend far beyond the basketball court.