Suit: Magic Knew of HIV, Still Had Sex

A woman filed a civil suit in Michigan federal court last week claiming Magic Johnson had unprotected sex with her, even though the former NBA star knew he was HIV-positive, Howard Weitzman, Johnson’s attorney, said Thursday.

The woman, whose name was not identified by agreement of both parties, alleged Johnson knew in June of 1990 that he was carrying the human immunodeficiency virus when they had sexual relations. She says she learned she was infected sometime in June of 1991.

The woman, from around Lansing, Mich., was an acquaintance of Johnson, Weitzman said.

“He has no idea whether in June 1990 she was the source of his infection or the contrary,” Weitzman said.

“To have someone accuse you of intentionally having sex with them when you have the virus is a real offensive accusation, and one that goes to the core of Earvin’s integrity. He is really taken aback by the accusation.”

Weitzman, a Century City lawyer, said Johnson became aware of the woman’s complaints last January. But Johnson did not know the suit, which asks for unspecified damages, was filed until last weekend, he said.

Weitzman said Johnson and his agent, Lon Rosen, said the suit had no bearing on Johnson’s decision to re-retire from the Lakers on Monday.