Magic Johnson Faking AIDS?

By Anastacia Mott Austin

Two radio hosts at a Minneapolis radio station, Chris Barker and Langdon Perry, have gotten into trouble – again – after offhandedly accusing basketball legend Magic Johnson of faking his HIV status.

The transcript of the controversial segment is as follows (the original context for their conversation is not available):

PERRY: 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: Like Magic Johnson.

PERRY: Like Magic with his faked AIDS. Magic faked AIDS.

BAKER: You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?

PERRY: I'm convinced that Magic faked AIDS.

PERRY: It falls apart…

BAKER: Which is horrible.

PERRY: …when you get into motivation. I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty sure he faked
AIDS.

BAKER: I've got a great e-mail here from…

PERRY: 'Cause he's the only cured AIDS guy ever.

Johnson, who has been HIV-positive since 1991, responded immediately, rebuking the two for what he calls ignorant statements, saying "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."

After clarifying that he has HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, but not the AIDS virus, Johnson 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."

Many people diagnosed with the HIV virus have been living for years, symptom-free, as drug treatments and other therapies have worked effectively to prevent the virus from progressing to the AIDS virus.

The conservative radio show hosts have responded that the reaction to their comments has been overblown. But KTLK’s program director, Steve Versnick, was forced to make a statement to answer for the comments. In a written statement released to the press, Versnick defended Baker and Perry's comments as "off-hand remarks," but added, "[We] recognize the seriousness of the health issues presented by HIV/AIDS, and the great work that Magic Johnson has done across the nation in calling attention to this disease, and the importance of HIV testing and treatment."

In addition, the station will air HIV/AIDS public service announcements, and invite Johnson to appear on the show to share his views on the topic.

This is not the first time the radio has gotten into trouble for their comments. Keith Olbermann named the two as a couple of his Worst Persons of the World for inappropriate and sexually suggestive comments they made about Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin.