Nearly 25 years later after Howard Stern’s infamous appearance on “The Magic Hour,” Lakers great Magic Johnson finally opened up about the uncomfortable late-night television moment in an interview with Variety.
After criticizing the Hall of Fame point guard’s widely-panned TV program, Stern was invited as a guest on “The Magic Hour.” And during Stern’s interview with Johnson, he asserted that he’s “blacker” than the host. While also telling Magic “at least you had fun getting AIDS.”
“So many times, I wanted to say something and hit him at the same time — on air,” Johnson told Variety. “I was mad when they booked him. But there’s nothing you can do. When people look for ratings, this is what happens. It is what it is. I learned a lot from that. I’ve never put myself — or HIV and AIDS, or my race — in that position again, ever again.”
Magic Johnson Wanted to Hit Howard Stern After Racist 1998 Interview Where He Was Told He ‘Had Fun Getting AIDS’ https://t.co/oAvOTBtkl7
— Variety (@Variety) April 5, 2022
Fans reacted to Johnson’s interview after-the-fact on Twitter.
“Speechless,” replied Goldie Taylor.
Speechless. https://t.co/F7zo8RuU2L
— G O L D I E. (@goldietaylor) April 5, 2022
“He should’ve smacked the [expletive] outta him,” one user said.
He should’ve smacked the shit outta him https://t.co/19QZjf3i7x
— 💜💛 (@beyontay) April 5, 2022
“Look I know Howard Stern is a POS, but man is he a POS,” commented another.
Look I know @HowardStern is a POS, but man is he a POS. https://t.co/Vv4fd22mMR
— jarbroni (@Theghostofjar) April 5, 2022
Magic admitted that he hasn’t spoken to Stern since the incident.
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