Magic Johnson has become the latest victim of a cruel social media joke where he had to address his fans on Twitter.
For the past couple of days, a picture has been circulating of the NBA Hall of Famer sitting in a doctor’s chair looking like he was getting blood work done. However, the caption on the photo read, “Earlier today, NBA legend Magic Johnson donated some of his blood to the Red Cross to help underprivileged communities to help fight COVID-19.” This post would set social media on fire.
Besides the fact that you never would—that looks like a pretty obvious photoshop.
— SherrieVH (@spiritfan8) August 23, 2022
it's a shame that, even in 2022, magic johnson has to even put out a tweet like this. especially since he's been diagnosed with HIV (and remains undetectable) since 1991. people who are laughing at this, or making mockery of this, are a disgrace. 😪
— . (@richuncleliving) August 23, 2022
The magic johnson jokes are soooooo tired lol some of y’all need to step away from the middle school lunchtables for once in your life and go to your cubicles instead
— ΛDRIΛN (@AdrianXpression) August 23, 2022
Johnson is HIV positive and contracted the virus in 1991, which can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as semen and blood. He recently went on Twitter to shut down the rumors of the circulated photo.
“I’m aware of the false story circling the internet, and to be clear, I have never donated blood,” Johnson wrote.
I’m aware of the false story circling the internet, and to be clear, I have never donated blood.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 23, 2022
At the moment it is unclear how the rumor started but the photo in question was a screenshot from the 2012 PBS documentary on HIV within the Black community.
What are your thoughts on this?