by Rafael Pena
February 1, 2024
Johnson’s longevity and health are attributed to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), a medical regimen that effectively manages HIV.
In a Facebook video circulating since Dec. 18, 2023, a woman claims that self-proclaimed healer Dr. Sebi cured NBA legend Magic Johnson of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, using a natural remedy, USA Today reported. The video, which gained over 4,000 shares in a month, alleges that minerals from sea moss and shilajit played a role in this purported cure.
USA Today‘s fact checking revealed that these claims are entirely false. Johnson, who publicly disclosed his HIV status in 1991, has not been cured of the virus. His longevity and health are attributed to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), a medical regimen that effectively manages HIV.
The video suggests a connection between Johnson and Dr. Sebi, whose real name is Alfredo Bowman. Dr. Sebi gained fame for promoting alternative diets and making bold claims about curing diseases with natural remedies. However, there is no credible evidence to indicate that Bowman and Johnson knew each other or that Dr. Sebi “cured” the NBA star.
While Dr. Sebi had high-profile clients, including Michael Jackson, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez, and John Travolta, there is no record supporting a relationship with Magic Johnson. Moreover, Bowman faced legal issues related to practicing medicine without a license, and he was sued in 1993 for making false claims about curing various diseases.
Contrary to the video’s other assertions, Dr. Sebi passed away on Aug. 6, 2016, due to pneumonia, not because of foul play.
Johnson’s commitment to HAART, initiated by Dr. David Ho in 1994, has allowed him to lead an active and healthy life. The therapy involves taking three to four drugs daily to suppress HIV, preventing it from replicating and progressing to AIDS. Johnson has consistently followed this medical regimen since its experimental stage, which became available to the public in 1996.
In a 2021 interview, Johnson attested to the life-saving impact of HAART, stating, “They told me that the three-drug combination was going to save my life, and they were right.”
The false claims perpetuated in the Facebook video can contribute to misinformation about HIV/AIDS and the achievements of medical science in managing the condition.
USA Today reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
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