Following Charlie Sheen’s Today show announcement on Tuesday, Nov. 17, that he is HIV-positive, one of the biggest celebrity HIV activists has responded. Former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson took to Twitter to show his support for the Two and a Half Men alum.
“I wish @CharlieSheen and his family the best,” Johnson, 56, wrote. “With the advancement in treatments and medicine he can fight this disease and live a long life.”
The former Lakers star announced he had HIV in 1991 and has been a longtime advocate for those suffering from the disease. He created the Magic Johnson Foundation to help combat HIV and has worked with the United Nations to further his goal.
Johnson noted that he hopes Sheen, 50, who kept his diagnosis a secret for four years and claims he was extorted for millions by those who knew, will lend his celebrity to champion HIV awareness and treatment.
“In @CharlieSheen breaking his silence, I hope he joins me in educating the world about HIV/AIDs,” Johnson tweeted.
