Magic Johnson Rips Radio Talk Show Hosts Who Said He 'Faked AIDS'

Radio talk show hosts are often accused of saying outrageous things, and often by people who didn't even hear them say the supposedly outrageous thing in the first place. But when speaking about a famous athlete who was forced to retire after contracting HIV, and saying that they think he "faked AIDS," I think we can all agree that's going a bit too far.

Such is the case with Minneapolis radio hosts Chris Baker and Langdon Perry, who attempted to make this joke at Magic Johnson's expense. Listen for yourself to their ridiculously insensitive comments, then we'll reconvene.

"He's the only cured AIDS guy ever." Nice. Predictably, Magic himself was not amused. His response to these clowns, after the jump.

"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. Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable," Johnson said. "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."

So many times when something like this goes down, the celebrity won't want to dignify comments like these with a response. But Magic handled it the right way, by releasing a statement and letting these guys know that they should be using their platform for something more positive.

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Steve Stoute and Stephon Marbury attend Earvin "Magic" Johnson

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Earvin "Magic" Johnson, left, speaks during a town hall meeting Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, in Lansing, Mich., backing Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and discussing Obama's urban policy. Johnson, whose hometown is Lansing, is a former NBA and Michigan State basketball star and now an entrepreneur known for redevelopment projects in urban areas. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)

Earvin "Magic" Johnson listens to a question during a town hall meeting Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, in Lansing, Mich., backing Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and discussing Obama's urban policy. Johnson, whose hometown is Lansing, is a former NBA and Michigan State basketball star and now an entrepreneur known for redevelopment projects in urban areas. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 10: NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson smiles while watching Game Three of the 2008 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics on June 10, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Earvin Johnson

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Former NBA player Magic Johnson attends the BookExpo America 2008 held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Magic Johnson

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Author Philippa Gregory and former NBA player Magic Johnson attend the BookExpo America 2008 held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Philippa Gregory;Magic Johnson

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Actor Alec Baldwin, author Philippa Gregory, former NBA player Magic Johnson and author Andre Dubus III attend the BookExpo America 2008 held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alec Baldwin;Philipa Gregory;Magic Johnson;Andre Dubus III

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