EJ Johnson EXCLUSIVE: Life as Magic Johnson’s Son, Dating “Straight” Men & Being Outed by TMZ

00:00:03
Speaker 1: Reality with the King is hosted by me, Carlos King. I'm an executive producer who have produced some of your favorite shows from the Real house Boss in Atlanta, New Jersey and my own creation, The Love and Marriage Franchise and Bell Collective. Every episode we recap reality television from the Real Housewives Franchise to The Bachelor or Selling Sunset, in addition to celebrity guests, whether in the unscripted space or scripted as well.

00:00:36
Speaker 2: I told them on my birthday in June that I was like, we're not doing he We're not doing man, We're not doing gay like and it was very freeing. And also it just was you know, it just was like I wasn't like, I'm not you know, And it's very important. I think too when you're and I hate the word, I hate the term coming coming out, but I think when you're telling people about who you are, you are telling them I'm not looking for acceptance. I'm not looking for your validation. I am telling you what's going down.

00:01:09
Speaker 1: Reggae News. Carlos Carlos Kid, your boy going viral again, godfather of reality television. Hey, rain Drops, thank you all so much who have subscribed to the channel. You guys have really helped spread the word build this channel together, because you know, I can't do this without you guys. And I'm think I want me to interview a lot of people, Child, but in order for me to do that, I need to make sure my subscribers match the millions of people who do watch my videos. So all you have to do, okay, is hit the subscription button. That's it. I ain't asking about much, Child, and enjoy this video. Rain Drops on today's episode of Reality with the King. Let me tell y'all something. We are here with Royalty and that's the motherfucking truth because listen, this person has been in our lives for like almost two decades, and I'm so grateful and thankful that they are here so that we can really get to know them. So, ladies, jeent to men Gaze and Days give it up for the iconic EJ.

00:02:28
Speaker 2: Johnson. I can't with Gaze and Days.

00:02:32
Speaker 1: I love that.

00:02:33
Speaker 2: I'm very inclusive, It's very hilarious.

00:02:36
Speaker 1: How are you great?

00:02:38
Speaker 2: How are you?

00:02:38
Speaker 1: You are stunning? Thank you you are I finally get to meet you.

00:02:44
Speaker 2: Yes, we met almost a year ago now Anni via zoom only.

00:02:48
Speaker 1: Via zoom and I fangirled a little bit, but now when in person a, let me tell on something. Baby is everything. Person that's everything. But how are you?

00:02:59
Speaker 2: I'm amazing, you look amazing. It's a great way to start the new year. I'm so excited.

00:03:03
Speaker 1: Yes, yeah, so listen, We're in New York City, which is I'm hearing is like your new playground.

00:03:10
Speaker 2: Well, it's my new home. I live here now. I live here now, so I'm back. I was here, I went to school here, but like my heart's here, Like I have never had a love affair with La That's just the place I'm from. But like I me and New York have a relationship. We just broke up and we got back together. Yeah we both had to grow and like do our own things. But like now we're back. But like this is New York's like my man, Like you know, we had we had to get back together.

00:03:40
Speaker 1: Okay, all right, And now is it a monogamous relationship in New York City? You're not?

00:03:45
Speaker 2: No, No, I think like we're kind of like all over the place. Because I also love Europe. I'm I'm I adore Paris and I'm sure at some point I'll live this to there too. Yeah, but by now you're just like, right now, I'm very happy to be here. And plus I'm only like six hours from from from Paris or London or wherever. So I'm good, good, good, good good. Listen.

00:04:06
Speaker 1: I am so thrilled to talk to you, because number one, listen, you don't do I feel like any interviews.

00:04:10
Speaker 2: It's been a while. Yeah, it's been a while. I mean I was doing a lot of growing like in this time, but I was like, I think it's very important. I think, especially for people who have like lengthy careers and they change and stuff like, it's very important to have some time to yourself. And so like it's exciting for me to get back out there. It's like the highest version of myself. And like it's been it's just been an exciting journey just in the past couple of months, and so like I'm excited to have this like interview, first interview, and then like excited for the more after this.

00:04:40
Speaker 1: So is twenty twenty six about to be like the comeback of e j Nhnsen?

00:04:45
Speaker 2: Yeah, this is like the emergence of like miss Thing. You know what I'm saying, Like she's bad, but you know what I I will say that, like EJ never really fully arrived until now, and I thought about that a great deal an anticipation of this interview, but I was like, because I knew you were gonna I probably asked something like that. But to be honest, like EJ is fully here. Like I think before, I was so young at that time, at the time of you know, being on e and all of that, when the first that first spotlight hit, I mean I was like twenty, Like you know, I had a lot of a lot of self work to do. And now after doing all of that and like you know, taking my time to really just fall in love with myself, I'm like, oh, everything is, the balances are zeroed out. We're checking and checking all the boxes and like I'm fully fully here. Yes.

00:05:31
Speaker 1: And I could tell that again, especially during our earlier conversations via zoom, and I knew it was like the right time to have this conversation with you because I do feel like when it comes to you, which I give you so much props on, seriously, you still have this level of anonymity when it comes to there's a lot of people. Although you know you had a reality show, you were on it for so many years, you still can up your private life fundamentally private, and there are just things about you that I feel like you always protect it. And that's good because listen, when it comes to the offspring of celebrity parents, you know this, You see some of the unfortunate things that occur with them. But I always felt like with you, you always did your best to make sure, you know, to sort of protect your your identity and really not just be out there for the second being out there.

00:06:34
Speaker 2: Yeah, it never really interested me, to be honest and like honestly, like even when I was doing when I was on camera, like I would fight the producers whenever they would push something on me that I didn't want to do or wasn't me, and they were like, oh, well you know this. It doesn't matter that it's not you, you know, because somebody in the middle of the world, you know, in the middle of the country or somewhere randomly will get it. And I'm like, no, but I'm not doing it because I wouldn't do that. Like, this has nothing to do with some random person somewhere that's not here who's supposed to be laughing or understanding what you're asking me to do you know that was never I know, I always had like a pretty strong sense of self and things that I knew I liked that I wanted to portray and like things that didn't. But you know, to be honest, it's like so much has changed, even you know, since then, and like you know, even seeing these celebrities like cry and on you know, Instagram lives or you know, just like put so much personal business out there and then they want to get mad when everyone's in their business and commenting on everything they're doing. And I'm like, yeah, but you let them in. And so I always keep a boundary. And like there is nothing more honey in my life right now than the boundaries that are the most powerful. I don't care who you are, you have to keep your distance. If I don't know you like that, if I you know, we don't have some kind of a real fundamental relationship, you're over there, like I don't. I don't play that good for you.

00:07:56
Speaker 1: It took me to be my forties to get there, so kudols to you were already figuring that out.

00:08:01
Speaker 2: I mean it just like I think for me, I just like learned through experience. To me, I'm just like I had a lot of friends who I thought were my friends, you know, over the past couple of years, who had to go because they just like so did not have the you know, the best uh intentions for me, not pure totally wanted their hooks in, and like I just had to I had to wake up and I had to get to work, and I'd just been like, Okay, all of you have just got to go. Like I'm not even I'm not even playing, like I'm not even like, oh maybe, well, no, you gotta go.

00:08:29
Speaker 1: Yeah, Yeah, I really want to go back a little bit because I want this interview to be just about you.

00:08:37
Speaker 2: Yes, what else is there to talk about?

00:08:40
Speaker 1: Yes, because I I I really just feel like when it comes to you, there's a lot of people who just don't know much about you. So I would love to spend this hour, you know, with that intention.

00:08:52
Speaker 2: Absolutely.

00:08:52
Speaker 1: So, who was EJ. Johnson growing up California? Obviously your father is at Johnson, your mother is the beautiful cookie. But like you're the oldest, who were you growing up in that world as a young boy?

00:09:10
Speaker 2: You know, honestly, like it's very it was very difficult, and you know, I talk about a lot about this you know, like with other people, you know, growing up, you know, in all the bougie, you know, eleiting schools that I went to, and like all of the children that I went to school with in La were you know, industry elite. So everyone had somebody's parent was always doing something, even if they just had money for the sake of having money. But it's very difficult to be born in someone's shadow, it really is. And like no one talks about that right now. It's like, oh, like you know, every you know, the industry is glamorizing, you know, the NEPO babies, but at the same time demonizing it too, because then everyone is mad that, like you know, they think that we all have like a leg up or something. But honestly, like, it is very difficult to come into the world and what you want doesn't really matter because it really only matters what plays well for or whoever the spotlight is on. And that was very difficult to navigate as a child, and even as a young adult. Honestly, it was weird. It was definitely, it definitely took a lot of time to just like find myself and all of that and then just be like hey, like you know, your spotlight is over here and mine is over here, and like the only thing I have to do in this lifetime is focus and nurture me and my what's going on over here? And you do that over there. But yeah, like that was a lot, a lot for the child. But like you know, like I was always just running around, prancing around in skirts and doing the most, you know, as a kid, and like, I think I found a lot of even at those young ages, I found a lot of security just like hanging out with myself because it was just like a very you know, awkward coming into my own and trying to find myself in the world. That kind of like told me that like I wasn't allowed to like exist the way that I wanted to exist. So I gained a lot of self confidence just like playing by myself because like that's where I felt safest, and it ended up, you know, ultimately like being one of my greatest attributes because like now it's like I'm like this with myself and like, no, I'm unmovable, unshakeable, you know, invincible. You cannot upset me or do anything, you know, externally because I'm one hundred percent right here.

00:11:20
Speaker 1: When did you realize you were gay.

00:11:25
Speaker 2: Pretty early on. Honestly, like I don't even I wasn't one of those people who ever tried to be straight, you know, like I talked to a lot of you know, like obviously the gayest there, you know, either that I grew up with or like ended up being friends with, but like I would say, like ninety percent of them, you know, had girlfriends or lost their virginities to women. And like I really never tried, like it was it really like it wasn't an option. I don't think I would have taken myself seriously even at that young age, to be honest, Like I could never see myself as like dating a girl, Like I don't even even think I could. That's one say. I couldn't convince myself to do it. So therefore I was like, girl, you can't convince the world to think that for you. But definitely like eleven twelve, oh for sure, But like when you know, you start to have those feelings and stuff. But honestly, I think like the feelings were just so strong that like I just kind of like knew it, and I think, if I'm not mistaken, probably like the eighth grade, like the summer before I went into high school, like I really like got serious with myself about it, and we were like, you know this, this is it. You know it's like I don't know, Like I just was kind of like this is who we are. I remember that like very specifically, like just like taking like those last couple of weeks before I had to go back to school, and I was like, this is it. And then I felt so much freer, like when I got into high school, like I just was like so much more like definitely coming into my own because like at school, like I just like didn't care, like I didn't hide it. I didn't pretend like everyone knew and everyone was cool, and you know, it was cool.

00:13:03
Speaker 1: And the first person you told your mother, correct, no, that's a family.

00:13:08
Speaker 2: Definitely my friend, but no my mom. Yeah, my mom kind of like interrogated me when I was second tenth grade.

00:13:15
Speaker 1: Do you remember what she was asking you?

00:13:17
Speaker 2: She we were on vacation Hawaii, and she kept asking. She was asking me because like I had another friend who came with me and he's also gay, or I used to stay attracted to men. I don't really use those kind of labels on myself anymore, but we were were just taking all the hawk guys. I mean we were, you know, we were doing what the girls do. We were they were everywhere, and we were you know, talking and looking. And she noticed and then she was like, I think this is probably something we should talk about, like what's going on? And I was like, well, I think this is it. This is what I like, you know, and I think she was onitially she was like fine in the beginning, but then I think it took her some time after that because like she was like, it was this is weird because it was you know, she had her church, so it was like a lot of going against like what she had been taught. And I think that both for both of them, it was that kind of a struggle because they were not people that know how to think outside the box. Like they're not oh this is new, Oh this could happen, or like this would be okay, like you know, we can adapt. It was very like they're very strongly like okay, like this is how it is, and this is black as white, and this is this and that's that and a lot of boxes. And so I think like I really came up against all of that, like you know, in my coming of age story, and I never, to be honest, like I never saw anything wrong with it, Like I never thought was wrong with anything that I did, like even when I was a kid, and like they were like, well, you can't wear skirts, and I was like, well why not? You know, It's like my inner being was like, there's nothing wrong with this, especially if I look cuter than any girl does. Like what's the problem, Like what's the issue? And that's exactly how I applied it to myself to these days in the way that I present, like in my you know, in my feminine regalia, you know, aways been a feminine being, and like that's just like how I you know, I best expressed myself. But I'm like, listen, I'm out all the time, you know, and I'm killing a dress and no one else is, Like the girls in the room are not doing it, Like they don't look cute, they're not dressed tenny nine. So I love it.

00:15:18
Speaker 1: You know. What's so funny because obviously so our parents are from Michigan, so your story I can relate to. And again I'm obviously much older than you. I could be your older big brother, but I can't relate to.

00:15:35
Speaker 2: Ages my brother. Oh are you forty yeah something yeah, yeah, something too. Yeah.

00:15:42
Speaker 1: So I get it. But I have this theory because my father and I've said this publicly and he's fine with it because I have to ask permission because I was like, I don't want you to think I'm gonna use my platform to blast you. And we're fine. But he was very very much so like close minded, born in nineteen forty nine in Detroit, Michigan, and was like, my black son, and I'm one of six. I have six brothers.

00:16:10
Speaker 2: Wow, and it's ten of us total. Wow. Right, Oh my god, that's just like my dad's maam.

00:16:14
Speaker 1: So I'm saying, I'm saying, it's so parallel. So he was just like and so I knew, unfortunately that my femininity was not going to be accepted. And I have this theory about black mamas because I felt like black mama, no the kids child. And although I came out very late, I came out at twenty five, that's not about that well, you know, because some well nowadays you know, the girls are coming out baby at seven, right, which I'm like, go right ahead. But my mom, very sweet rest in Heaven, she was like, you sure, And I said, girl, she's like, well, didn't want to assume it. She was like, you're going to tell your dad because he's been asking about it ever since you were five years old. He asked me every year, and I'm like, I'm not telling him, So I didn't tell him so much later, but I could relate to you in terms of like having parents who just wasn't really sort of like who got it. But when it comes to you, obviously you're not just any kid your namesake says it all.

00:17:28
Speaker 3: Was.

00:17:29
Speaker 2: Did you ever feel like the sort of.

00:17:31
Speaker 1: Like image you had to uphold being the namesake of your dad? Hmmm?

00:17:40
Speaker 2: I think that's what they tried to teach me. That's why I was raised to believe that. But especially now I'm free of all of that because I, like I said, it's like I've totally ripped myself away from anyone's namesake besides my own, you know, and I don't even EJ. Johnson specifically is the only person that I'm fully, fully respond and fully looking out for, you know, and that has caused that has given me so much peace. Like you have no idea, but I think in the beginning, especially like even when I'm stepping out into my own spotlight. It was like it was still like a lot of that of trying to put me in that box, as trying to make us like one unit. And like I think I used to get it really annoyed with that. And I hear about a lot of that, you know too, from other kids who are in the same predicament, and it weighs on them heavily mentally, because it's like, you know, you you can't find yourself when you have to look through your own look at your own life through the lens of somebody else. And so yeah, definitely it was definitely like I was brought up to believe that, but I definitely ripped myself away from that and let him do him and I'm doing me.

00:18:51
Speaker 1: How did you feel when TMZ out at you back? And I want to say, with like twenty thirteen And because when you think about it right now, it's so inappropriate because.

00:19:02
Speaker 2: It's very funny, you know, it's funny because it's like it definitely, looked at now would be like highly inappropriate, like you could never out someone like that, you know what I'm saying. But to me at the time, it was just like it just happened, like I don't know like it was. It was one of those overnight success moments. But like I was ready because I was living my life, So it wasn't like I was hiding anything Like. It wasn't scary in that in that instance to feel out it in that way because I was living my life to the fullest. Like I was like totally like out in the sun, you know, doing what I do. So like that wasn't you know, that wasn't like it didn't like hit me to the left because of that. I mean, obviously I would have liked to come into the public in my own way. Would have been nice. But you know, I don't even think about it.

00:19:59
Speaker 1: That's good though, because I remember at the time, and again this is back in twenty thirteen, which of course seems like ages ago, but it was such a big deal.

00:20:09
Speaker 2: And that's also what I thing I didn't understand. I was like, why is this such a big deal?

00:20:12
Speaker 1: It was so you well, but again I'm glad that you have dissing yourself from that moment. But I remember and again in twenty thirteen, Look, I believe I was openly gay, Like I think I was act show according to your mathew, then right, I'm like I think I was. I was, but I remember being like, wow, this is number one inappropriate. But I also remember it's.

00:20:41
Speaker 2: Really interesting that you you picked up on that. I feel like nobody, nobody did that until later, I think.

00:20:47
Speaker 1: And I think a lot of it for me is being in the in the black community and just knowing how dangerous at that time it was for us because I grew up at a time where you know, being outed it is dangerous because if you're not ready, you can't deal with the ramification that comes along with it. So I just remember, I remember looking at you.

00:21:10
Speaker 2: Even the people who did it on their own accord never went much further in their careers at that time, especially those athletes, like they were like okay and then wiped away like completely uly oh yeah yeah that basketball player and that football player. Yes, they were like, oh you think you're going to play after this? No, like totally dismissed. Because I met I've met both of them the very both of them were very nice, but it was like they had that five minutes. But it's like, you know, the the industries weren't going, didn't allow that to continue.

00:21:49
Speaker 1: No, especially back then. I mean, look, I think even like now with those show Heated Rivalry. Have you seen it?

00:21:55
Speaker 2: I saw the first episode. Yeah, it was a little I mean like like softcore for me. Like I was like, okay, I mean you know, I mean I think it's like cute for the culture for sure. Like I think especially like these the young kids, like they love things like that, because I used to watch that that. I watched the Heartbreaker series on Netflix, which was so cute, and I was like, oh to oh and then like what was the Victor did the one on Hulu?

00:22:25
Speaker 1: Oh like love Victor, Love Victor?

00:22:29
Speaker 2: Yes, yes, And I was like, oh, this would have been great. Yeah I was when I was that age, like to have that as a kid, a teenager or like a young you know, a kid like would have been so nice. But I only I had Oh my god, Noah's Ark that came out when I was like twelve or something, and I loved it. I loved every moment of it. Was so pivotal.

00:22:51
Speaker 1: This is reality with the King and I'm Carlos King. Let's get back into the show. Yeah. Shout out to Patrion Pulk.

00:22:59
Speaker 2: Yes, I love him.

00:23:01
Speaker 1: No, he and I are friends. And I said to him too, and at this time, I want to say him in my twenties and I just remember being like, finally there's something. And that's why when I saw you in twenty thirteen, I felt for you and I felt how inappropriate TMZ was, but also said bitch work because baby fashion, the labels what I was to wear and the cop oh it was something in black, but you know what it was you even then, I mean, you have it now still and I love that it never dissipated. You always does have this extreme confidence about yourself. And I was always curious, like where did that come from? Because again, for a lot of black gay men who tried to be themselves, we don't have that confidence oftentimes. But then for you, I'm like, he's in the spotlight and you to me, you you owned it and you and you grab that torch and you haven't like blown out the fire.

00:24:10
Speaker 2: I don't know. I think I I like I said, I was, like I think I spent when I was used to hang out with myself a lot. I'm just saying like, I really, you know, really got to see myself fully, which is such a powerful gift. And right now, I mean like and even now it's like I see myself like completely clear, you know, like they have that saying where they say, you know, other people can see you better than you can see yourself, but like when you can see yourself better than everyone else can see you, you win. And I rethink I always felt and I always saw myself better and like in the in my truest form kind of a little bit better than everyone else. Now it's like completely better. The clarity is like through the roof. But at that time, I was still you know, quite young, but yeah, like I'm I mean I was I enjoyed being fabulous, like when I was in college. I was my college time, and like we dressed up and we went to the club and we went to the you know, the most fabulous parties, and that's just like, you know, who I was, Like that's just who I who I always want, who I always loved to be, you know, And like that was just very like you know of that time, and I mean, you need the confidence. Definitely needed the confidence to survive. You know, now you can just have it, but at that time, it's like you really needed it to like survive for sure, because otherwise, like you know, everyone was just going to like walk all over you, or you know, like make fun of you or do whatever. And you know, I think it's just really important to you know, to do that self work, to find yourself, especially when you know you're not living in a conventional way or the way like society says that you should.

00:25:56
Speaker 1: Is that when the E producers called you to do Rich Kids of Beverly Hills around that time.

00:26:03
Speaker 2: It was a little bit later. It was a little bit later, but that happened really by chance. Like I I actually that same night. I believe that was the first night I met Dorothy, and that a couple months later, I think like over the summer or something like she was like, oh, we're having this pool party. Do you want to come. I'm like, yeah, sure, and then she's like, yeah, well we're filming a television show. And I'm like okay, like cool. So like I went to her house and they miked me, and you know, we just shot this this pool party. Like I honestly, again, I wasn't thinking anything. I didn't want to even remember what I was saying. Like, you know, they were asking us to talk about our you know, like our glamorous summer vacations. I think we had us you know, they satisfied the pool and we did one one scene where we were like all talking about our summer vacations. But to be honest, like I wasn't in you know, like the big the you know, the bigger parts of the of the pilot. This was a pilot of the scene, so like I really didn't think. And then they called me a couple weeks later and they were like, oh, do you want to like be a series regular? And I'm like, well, wait a minute, Like I I wasn't a part of this, Like I just came as a guest and that's when and that's how it happened. But it was kind of like, you know, one of those just like random chance things.

00:27:18
Speaker 1: Did you have aspirations to be in the spotlight?

00:27:21
Speaker 2: I was exploring. I was exploring I had met with a couple of like networks and stuff at the time, so I was definitely exploring that because like I remember, like when I used to watch like the Real Housewives, Like I remember, like I think Beverly Hills performed while I was like came out like while I was in college, and I think my friend and I were watching it and I was watching it and after it ended I looked at him and I was like, bitch, I can do that. And he was like what. I was like, I can do that, Like I can do that better than any of these bitches, Like I can fucking do it. And he was like, oh okay, and I was like yeah. And then literally like it just ended up happening. It just manifested from myself.

00:27:58
Speaker 1: You know. That's Kim Kardashian story. Oh she is it not with Beverly Hills. But she watched the real world. So mind you, it wasn't like a job or career, right, but she watched the real world that she saw her friend like I'm gonna be that, and her friend's like what is that? She said, whatever they're doing being regular O TV and famous, I'm gonna do that. And we see where she's at now. So you watching the Real Housewives of Beverley Hills, I'm assimilarly sa Vanda pump Is.

00:28:29
Speaker 2: She no, no, she was there. So this was the very first this was the very first season. Yeah, but her her, she and Adrian Mloof were her neighbors in Beverly Hills. So like I I was like, I wanted to watch because I knew that, you know, the neighborhood was going to be on it was that your neighborhood too. Yeah, I grew up in the same My parents live there, like in the same neighborhood in Beverly Hills that they they both they don't live there anymore, but at the time they did. Yeah, her and and Kyle and all those and all those people were hilarious. But yeah, like I literally did that. I remember, I remember Vivili we were sitting there and it ended and I literally was like, I can do that. Shit happened.

00:29:18
Speaker 1: I love the manifestation of all that story. I know. So when you did Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, did you feel like, Okay, this is my time to like show the world who I am and you know, for me to venture off into like my new pound profession.

00:29:36
Speaker 2: Truthfully, I really did not overthink it at that time. It kind of just was like it was here. I was like, I'm going to take the advantage of it. I'm going to because you have to remember, this was way before this was way before the brand deals and you know, all the products and like, this was way before any of the bitches were doing any of that. So like it wasn't as strategic because you were just kind of seeing like, well, what you know, and even like my managers and and you know agents, at the time, it was very much like whatever sticks works, whatever box they put you in, that's who you're going to be. Like that's you know, like it was very up to the industry. This was not like, oh, I'm going in here with the game plans. This is who I am, this is what I want to do. Da da da da. No, that's now that's how you know, you play the game now. But then it was all about whatever you could, whatever you throw out the wall, and whatever sticks, that's how it works. But like I came in and they were like, okay, well, you know, you're the peacemaker, like you know, you're the mother hen You're the one who's gonna get all the bitches together when they're all fighting and doing all these crazy things. And I was like, okay, yeah, it's like I guess that's you know, that's what I'm doing. How old were you at the time the first season? I think I was twenty. Wow, I think I was twenty and I think I turned twenty one that summer if I'm not mistaken, cause I think it came. Yeah, I think it kids. It came out the following fall, I think or somewhere in there. To be twenty years old on this show, Yeah, to be twenty years old on the show was like crazy, but it was fun. It was fun at the time. It was it was fun, you know, and we just I think we made it look you know, fun and glamorous, and it was just new because like they had all the networks had been desperate to find like the kid version of the Real Housewives, like the young version, and we were that. And then also they were trying to capitalize on Instagram because Instagram, you know, all the rich kids of all that Instagram, you know, they wanted to turn that into something because that Instagram was like huge at the time. And so it was like both kind of those things that came together. It was like one of you know, just one of those like full circle moments. And I just happened to be in the mix. But yeah, I was cue. It was cue well Acaid.

00:31:49
Speaker 1: And then you had to spin off EJ and the City. Were you at that time excited about the possibility being like a bitch has his own show.

00:32:03
Speaker 2: I think it was important. I think it was important. Definitely. We were definitely ahead of our time, way ahead of our time.

00:32:10
Speaker 1: Like, well, I knew that watching it.

00:32:13
Speaker 2: We like, it didn't hit me until I rewatched it, like maybe a year or two ago, and I was like, girl, of course, like, you know, this couldn't have continued because you were talking about things that we were talking about being gender fluid and non vinary before that was even like a term. Like I was like, oh, but you hit on that because I was the one who wanted to poop push that. You know, that episode we did where I went to see the gender therapist and we discussed it. I was like, because, like, I feel like this is an important thing to discuss, Like I'm not just gonna I'm not just here to run around in fabulous outfits, even though the outfits were amazing, especially for like twenty three year old Oh my god, shut down. But anyway, but I was like, it's important that we talk about this because I because like I'm also trying to figure it out. And I was like, that's the truth. Yeah, you know, that was actually my truth. I love that part of it because like that was actually, out of all of it, I think was like the most truthful part was actually like mirrored my reality because I really was trying to figure myself out, and like that scene reflected it.

00:33:16
Speaker 1: Do you are there pronouns that you go by today or how do you identify your sexuality?

00:33:22
Speaker 2: I just say call me EJ as much as possible, you know, it's like pronouns. I really don't. I don't really like hey, but like I don't. I've also trained myself not to get upset when other people use it, which I think is very important because you're giving your power away when you lose it. You know, you give your words too much, too much of personal power. You know, they is fine, you know whatever, she is cool, Like I'm really not a stickler about it. I think for me, it was really just going through on the journey to make sure that I wasn't like spinning out of control, like when I'm being misgendered when especially a lot of the times people don't do it with an ill intention. Some people do, but and I feel like, and I feel like, you know, there's a tone, Yes, there's a tone. And they keep they'll keep repeating it. They'll keep saying man or bro too many times, and I'm like, I'm not your bro. Like you know, but it's usually just somebody you'll never go to see again, so who cares. But yeah, like I said, I was like always a deeply feminine being, and like, you know, that's really all that matters to me. You know. It's like I'm extremely happy in this body. Like I love my skin, I love every I love waking up and being me every day. Like it's a beautiful thing, like to walk into the bathroom and see yourself in the mirror and you're just like that bitch, like yes, like it's that for me right now, and so like you know, I'm just living it, you know, I'm just loving it.

00:34:56
Speaker 1: One of the biggest story lies on your spin off was you know, you and your sister liking the same guy.

00:35:03
Speaker 2: I honestly that is ultimately what got the pick the show picked up. But also you know, in terms of the gender and sexualities and stuff like that, it was very important because that happens. You know, you can I don't attract gay men, and I'm not and I'm not attracted to gay men. Like it's just not a thing.

00:35:27
Speaker 1: Tell me more about that, you know.

00:35:29
Speaker 2: It's just I think, like if you ask any of the girls, like they'll tell you, they'll tell you the same, and I think they're just labels, you know. That's what Like, I don't care what you know, Like i'm dating someone, I'm like, I don't care what you identify as or what you call yourself as long as you're happy being who you are. But no, to be honest, it's like that's why I don't really go to I don't go to gay clubs. I don't go to you know, gay things, because it's like the men that I attract are not there. And also like they're like, you know, they kind of like wave you off. You're just like oh that you know, hey, girl, Like you know, it's not you're not in in here, in here like the rest of us are. You know. It's just it's always but it's I never really understood it until now because before when I would go and I would I just was like, there's something about this room. It's like it's almost like they don't want me here, Like I'm not really in it here because I'm not presenting as a man. I'm not presenting in a in in that way.

00:36:22
Speaker 1: And to be clear, the gay community room, yeah to your own community, yeah yeah, yeah.

00:36:26
Speaker 2: But it's not like a shameful thing or just like oh they're mean to me, but it's like these are not my men in terms of attraction. Now, I'm just going to have a key key sure, but like these are not the men that are that are interested in me in that capacity. I do that when I go to the straight rooms.

00:36:47
Speaker 1: So so has it always been that way for you in terms of when it comes to men, has always been what some people consider the straight guy always being the one that would approach you.

00:37:09
Speaker 2: Or somebody who yeah, or has been intimate and dating you know, women for most of their life or like up until then. For sure, absolutely it has always been that way. But now it's like even more so now that I definitely present in more of a feminine way because also like it's like my energy.

00:37:32
Speaker 1: Is that have your new found not new found that's promos to use? Has your sort of like I like to call it a rebirth because I feel like even talking to you now, you're like, like you said earlier, look I know who I am. I love why I see in the mirror. I am shedding all of whatever I was there back then. Who I am now? Has that cultivated a stronger relationship with your parents or has it been challenging for you there too, just being you know how you are now.

00:38:05
Speaker 2: No, definitely, we're not challenging. I think everything honestly in this in this era of my life, has become so much easier. But even I told them on my birthday in June that I was like, we're not doing he We're not doing man, We're not doing gay like and it was very freeing. And also it just was you know, it just was like I wasn't like I'm not you know, and it's very important I think too when you're and I hate the word, I hate the term coming coming out, but I think when you're telling people about who you are, you are telling them I'm not looking for acceptance. I'm not looking for your validation. I am telling you what's going down. And and yeah, we had that conversation and it was, you know, it was very easy because I just like I just told them, you know, flat out, like I was like, this is you know who I am, and this is how we're going moving and grooving and going forward. And you know, even like son, I was like, you know the world tried to give me that label, like Magicalhon's the sun. And I was like, well, he's dead, and now there is mis thing like we're not doing that either, So you know it was it was you know, it wasn't like a big conversation. But I think what I loved about it was it was so easy, you know, because we just said it and they were like, oh, okay, you know, we'll do our best too. To understand that.

00:39:26
Speaker 1: I'm baming right now. Yeah, I bet you could sell it because I I'm so proud of you. Not that you need me to say that, but I just I feel like you're freeing a lot of gay or however they because I agree with you is however you identify yourself. But I wish growing up I had someone like you.

00:39:52
Speaker 2: I think we always, you know, at least we aly wish somebody was there, you know who it is, you know, like somebody say something, because like especially between our years, like we didn't have anybody.

00:40:05
Speaker 1: No. And that's why this conversation to me is so important because people can watch this and say, finally someone's saying something how I feel because I got little, like, you know, the hairs rose up on my skin when you said I don't want to say, coming out anymore, like this is who I am and I don't even need your.

00:40:25
Speaker 2: Acceptance, Like I think it's important. It's important part of the discussion that no one I don't think it's talking about. But like I said, you have to if you're gonna do something, do it for yourself number one. And number two, when you go out, like I think that's when everyone gets hurt. You know. It's like everyone you know has those traumatic experience because they're hoping, they're they're searching for the validation and searching for the acceptance and like sometimes it doesn't come. And that's also okay. Like if you need to be like leave your home or leave your family, like whenever it is safe for you to do so go, you know. It's like and also too, it's like that the term the ide you know, the idealize family, like it doesn't exist. It is what you make of it. Like you don't have to stay if everyone's treating you poorly, you know, you don't have to be involved. If you're not getting what you need, you don't have to do anything, you know, honestly, and and yeah, you know, and I think like the image of you know, my family was nice and healing for the world. But it wasn't like I didn't struggle, you know, there wasn't difficulties to get there, you know, in terms of getting to that point. And I think that also too, It's like you can't just like wipe away, you know, just like understand that, like you know, sometimes they're there and then sometimes they're not. And that doesn't make you It doesn't make your story any less, you know powerful if you weren't given it, you know, if those you know people aren't gonna stand behind you, stand behind you and give you that love that you need, didn't go find some other people who will.

00:42:01
Speaker 1: Yeah, I've always wanted to ask you this because obviously, like I said, you're the offspring of a legend that is in a that wasn't a sport that is heavily male dominated obviously, and just like you know, the locker room talk and yes, hyper masculine, and I just remember you know, when you when you emerged, and all of the talks about like, you know, oh my god, Magic Johnson's son. Instead of playing a basketball, he's wearing a dress and all those things, and a lot of it obviously was from the black community. When it comes to the black community, especially the gay black community. Did you feel like they accepted you?

00:42:52
Speaker 2: Well, again, I wasn't really looking like there was just so much you know that happened at that time that I wasn't like looking like I don't care about to be accepted in a community or to be a part of a community. You know. I think that I just wasn't in it. Like I wasn't a part, you know, when I was living my life, you know, growing up. It's just like I was, you know, I had school, and I had all these places, and I had my friends. It's like I was like, I don't know what I'm doing. You know, these communities or these people are mad, Like I'm like let them be mad, but like, you know, like I don't care. You know, It's just like I really I really could care less. That's all I have to say. You know. It's like even when people were like, oh, you know, I think somebody asked me like, oh, well, what did your church think about? Like, well, number one, I don't had I never had a church, Like my parents went to church for like, I didn't go because I wanted to go. I wasn't a part of that community. I was there because I was made to be there, like you know, it is what it is, but it really doesn't matter, like who cares, Like if your community is mad, and then let them be mad. But I've always thought that was just stupid that they thought that, like you know, I was supposed to be playing basketball or something like first of all, like do you know how difficult it is to become an NBA player like number one? It's like it's a very hard process and like if I wanted to do that, then I would have done it. But like I like, why are we even having this discussion? It's just so ignorant, you know. I'm like, it's just it's so you have to put in a lot of work to do all of that. Like I'm sure Lebron James's son. I mean, like you know, he's been playing this entire life, like and now he's he's playing, you know, he's in the NBA. But I'm like that's something you would decide very early on in life, and like why are we talking about you know, that is nothing nothing to do to do with me or even like you know, I've always you know, you know, oh bla, well, black men need to be this and need to be you know, you know, macho and need to be this, and it was okay, well, what does anyone's femininity have to do with that? Who's stopping you from being this macho black man? Me or you? Because you know you're snapping your fingers in the air. What is stopping you, sir, from continuing.

00:44:58
Speaker 1: To be you?

00:44:59
Speaker 2: What does you and me have to do with each other? Nothing? It doesn't make any sense. And I always, I always would laugh if somebody if I saw that. I mean, I don't read any comments or articles, but like at that time, when like people were bringing it to my attention, I was like, well, what a stupid thing to say, because I'm like, I'm not hindering you from going on and being some toxic masculine black man, like I don't even know you and what And it doesn't say anything about what it means to be a black man in America, has nothing to do with it. I don't even think. I don't I'm not a man, so like I don't even feel like a man. So I'm like, why, what, what's stopping you from going on and doing exactly what it is that you think you should be doing? Nothing? Nothing at all, preach.

00:45:46
Speaker 1: An preach when what were your thoughts when you saw what de Way Wades now daughter was going through, you know, transitioning into becoming the woman that she is now. Was this something that you could relate to? Did you reach out? Did you have a conversation.

00:46:10
Speaker 2: Oh, we've met I think twice, not in any kind of like real like intimate setting, but just like you know, at some fashion events, I believe, and I've met obviously Dwayne and we and I think we spoke on Instagram and we're just like, you know, if you if she needs anything, like you know, you can definitely let me know. And we she went to she went to my high school as well, so yeah, we have some similarities. But I mean it was just one of those things where it's like, you know, more power to you. You know, you got to do what you got to do.

00:46:45
Speaker 1: You know.

00:46:45
Speaker 2: It's it's one of those things where it's like it's nothing really I can say or do you know, because like that's your journey.

00:46:52
Speaker 1: Yeah.

00:46:53
Speaker 2: And they also said some horrible and stupid things about her, you know, and the same thing they were so horrible stupid things they were saying about me. So it's like here we are again. But it's like, you know, it's like that's what he's Even when you narrow it down, it's like, I'm not going up against anything that I actually really need to be concerned about, because these are all everybody else's fears and everybody else's you know, concerned and everybody else's viewpoints of the world that are being challenged by somebody living their truth or living their life the way they want to live it. Like it's just absurd. It's just absurd. But I'm happy that she's happy. And I mean, I'm not sure what she's doing with her life at this point, but you know, I wish are the best.

00:47:39
Speaker 1: Yeah, are you dating now?

00:47:44
Speaker 2: I am outside, it's totally outside. I had to get a little more serious though, I think in this new year for sure. I think before I was kind of just like enjoying myself and kind of just like dating to date. But now I'm being much more strategic about it. And it's like, if we're not actually going to enter into a relationship, then, you know, and I think that's where you have to put the boundaries up with the so called straight eyes, because they will they'll just try to like put you off to the side or like keep you in the dark, and like I'm not living in the shadows anymore.

00:48:22
Speaker 1: Have you ever dated somebody that was d L Sure? For sure.

00:48:26
Speaker 2: I think at the time it's just like you you just are like, oh, well, you know, I'm just trying to be respectful, but really you're not doing yourself any respect.

00:48:34
Speaker 1: Were they married?

00:48:35
Speaker 2: No, I've never dated a married man or anybody in a relationship. It's just like they just weren't ready to come to terms with whatever they were doing. But that's what I was saying. I don't need you to come out or anything, but it's like I'm not gonna be hidden. So there's that, you know, and just having that that self respect and just yeah, knowing that, but it's made everything a lot easier, for sure.

00:49:01
Speaker 1: Have you ever been in love?

00:49:04
Speaker 2: I think like probably at the time I thought so, but not like now that I'm actually like emotionally available and actually can fall very hard in love if given the opportunity, not in the way that I want to. I haven't experience in the way that I want to, So like that's definitely something I've put into the energy for this year for sure, because I'm ready. I wasn't ready before, you know, And I think that that was just kind of like the maturity of it and just like looking out self instead of saying like, well, why hasn't this happened to me? But it's like you weren't ready, you know, you weren't ready at all. Do you have a type? I don't really like. I don't really have like a strict type. I will say, like, I know, I'm I'm tall, but like I do like the I do like being with a tall man. Yeah that I do. I like the sensation of that. But I'm also like very like intellect surely inclined, Like I love a man who can hold his hold himself and like speak well and like is entertaining and it's like, you know, really highly intelligent, Like I'm a conversationalist like that, so like that kind of like hmm, you know, especially and also like a man with like a presence, like I love a powerful presence, like when you're like, oh he hasn't like that, like I like that.

00:50:28
Speaker 1: Have you ever did like a celebrity.

00:50:31
Speaker 2: I've never dated a celebrity. I don't think i've well, I may have like hooked up with one or two in the Shadows rappers. Hmm, I can't tell you all the tea.

00:50:56
Speaker 1: I don't maybe I know.

00:50:57
Speaker 2: I know, M I don't think there was a I don't think there was a rapper might have been h because let's that.

00:51:11
Speaker 1: No, because look, you maybe the places I go, you ain't there heady because you are at the like.

00:51:19
Speaker 2: Well, there's the thing about you know, like two was having celebrity crushes, Like you can't do that because I actually do meet these people, so like you know, and I've done that before, but like, oh he is so fine, and then I meet him, I'm like, oh, like, oh no, like you are you know, very insecure, or you're very this, or you're very that. So it's like I don't, I don't. I don't crush or glamorize anybody anymore because it's like I always end up, you know, just being like okay, now, I'm just like I'll just meet the person when it happens, okay, yeah. But yeah, I mean, you know, it's it's it's different when you are, you know, coming into contact with the people all the time.

00:52:02
Speaker 1: And the thing about you you have a presence.

00:52:06
Speaker 2: I love having a presence, but I like a man with a presence as well, like I like like I like feeling somebody is like powerful masculine energy, like it's it's it's very intoxicating. But I do have a powerful presence which intimidates a lot of men, which is great, but because you know, it keeps the ones at bay. But that's why I can't. I can't do the apps because I can't gauge your energy through the phone. You know, That's why I I. You know, I tried, but it's like I felt like they were so so insecure and just like it just like was not the vibe. But it's very important that I, like I can gauge someone's energy when I meet them in person, because presence is important well.

00:52:53
Speaker 1: And you have tons of it.

00:52:55
Speaker 2: Yeah, well that's true, you really do.

00:52:58
Speaker 1: I know you in a room, I know you be. I can already tell the moment, y'all. Like eyes is ova because you have small you have a very small dering like look and the eye and I know you can eye fuck like a motherfucker.

00:53:14
Speaker 2: I they I think they do that to me first and then I might like glance back, but like I always that's all I always know when some man is because I always catch him staring and then you know, he like you know, goes back. But like I always catch them staring like it's like because you know, they're just like and then I'm like looking over and then they're like, oh, you know, then they go back back. Like I always catch them when they're staring. I always know because they like literally freeze. It's like Medusa, like they just like turn to stone and I'm like, Okay, well let's see if he makes his way over here. Do they have to or or it's very it's I need you to make an effort because it's like every time I feel like when I go over and I'm like, you know, because I've played the game where I like find something stupid to compliment them about, even though like like oh, I like your jacket even though they're at jacket is ugly, and I'm you know, you know, and then it's like I feel like I get over there and I'm and then it's like he's and I'm like, I don't have time for this. I don't want to do all the work. I'm not going to do all the work. I'm not even gonna say I don't want to because I'm not.

00:54:18
Speaker 3: I'm not going to do it, Okay, So tall, masculine, available, yes, very available, Yeah, confident, confident, and I need you.

00:54:29
Speaker 2: To like like yourself, to love yourself. People are so mean to themselves these days.

00:54:32
Speaker 1: I'm not because of social media, but wants to sort of like compare yourselves to people. Yeah, it's unfortunately.

00:54:38
Speaker 2: I met some guys who are just like so mean to themselves.

00:54:40
Speaker 1: I'm like Jesus, like, now you are EJ fucking Johnson. So do they have to have a coin?

00:54:47
Speaker 2: Well, I have to be. I need to be taken care of obviously. I mean if if I go buddy, if I could, well, I'm not taking care of anyone, Like I'm not a sugar mama. No, But I don't that the girls, you don't, you know, you don't marry to take care of him like he's marrying to take care of you. I mean, it just depends on what you want. But he's not marrying into my system. We're getting married and starting our own system. It's different. But I you know, I just clear about that. But like you know, I I don't want to be like just only thinking about money, but like it is something that you know, I guess a lot of people spend time like obsessing over but honestly, again, it's not like I'm looking for that. But again it's like, like you said before, these are the rooms I'm in, So everyone's either into a coin or made their coin. The coins are there, the rooms are made of coins, So it's like I don't have to like go out of my way to find financially substantial man. That's all I am saying.

00:56:01
Speaker 1: What are your thoughts on this? Like you touched on it a bit earlier, the whole like NEPO baby and listen, And I've said this publicly, there's nothing more than I love seeing rich black kids because I feel like, because I feel like good good because you don't see it often and when you see it, and I feel like it should be celebrated more. I love rich black kids because I'm like, good, your parents work their asses off, you have a good life, and take that shit and continue to build the generation of wealth. But obviously there's another side globally where people do feel like you didn't earn this, and you know, listen, let's call up about a lot are jealous and a lot of them just feel like it's easy for you.

00:56:54
Speaker 2: Guys.

00:56:55
Speaker 1: What are your whole thoughts on that.

00:56:57
Speaker 2: Well, like I said, it's not easy, you know. It's like, you know, it's not easy because I'm just like either either way, like I was saying about the shadow, it's like the same the same complaint or the same difficulties arrive. Even if your parents are not even famous, they're just very wealthy, like you still have a shadow to work under, and like I didn't even realize that, but like I was talking to a guy whose dad is you know, their older money, but like also his dad was like, you know, very well known producer, and he was like, I hate it. I hate when everyone is like, ohh like I worked with your dad and he was great, or I did this with your dad and he was wonderful. He's like, I hated. I can't stand it. And I was like, well, why it does it bother you so much? And he's like, because like I have my own things going on and nobody wants to talk about that. We're just talking about this, We're just talking about him. And I was like, yeah, I used to feel that way until I, you know, had to get I put myself first in my own life, and then it didn't matter what anyone's saying to me on the street, you know, but I mean, yeah, it's I mean, like it's listen. It's one of those things where it's like a double edged sword, like you can't you can't win. You can't win because on one hand, you get the people who are like, oh my god, that's great you have you know, you have all this money and you have a leg up or you you know, you know, you can do whatever you want.

00:58:11
Speaker 1: But like.

00:58:13
Speaker 2: Then you have the people who are like, you know, but you didn't work well, you didn't, especially like you know, the actors, like those kids who come from you know, who have huge parents, are huge actors. Like they can't get it, they can't catch a break because on one side, everyone's loving it. On the other side, we're like, oh, well, you're taking roles away from people who've worked many many years to you know, be an actor, and now you're just getting coasting on, you know, riding it on some coattail. But it's like that's something I can't control. I never control. I can't control who my parents are, Like I didn't control who my dad was, Like I just was born and that was it, you know. So it's like it's all you can. You get it from both ends. But like I just don't even I don't really think about it. I don't really think about it. But I you know, for myself, even as I'm like acting as definitely on my it's on the top of my list for this year to do to get into way more of But like in my time off, I've been in acting classes and I literally I told myself, I was like, you're going to need to like really train because they will say that about you. Yeah, they will be like, oh, you're only here because and there were kids in my acting classes that that, well, you don't really need to be here, you don't really have to do that.

00:59:22
Speaker 1: They will say that today they know yeah.

00:59:24
Speaker 2: No, I mean like in my acting class when I was yeah, yeah, they were like, oh, girl, you don't have to be here because like you know, you'll get booked regardless, you'll do you know, you already have it made. And I'm like, yeah, but like number one being booked. To just get a booked is not my goal. Like I want to be great and that's why I'm here. But I but also because like I want to do the work, you know. It's like I want to be the best I can be. This has nothing to do with just writing a coattail. If I knew, if I really believe that, then I wouldn't be here, you know. I would have just been calling all our connections and agents and all of our friends who you know, our family friends who are producers, are in the industry, like you know. But I didn't do that, you know. So it's like it's just one of those things that like you you you know, you can use however you want to use it if you you know, use you know, use your your connections if you want, and then leave it. Cause it's like, you know, it doesn't matter what the public is thinking, because they're always going to They're always going to be those two sides of the street. Yeah yeah, listen, and I'll say this public, so I'll give a shit. I want more Black meple babies to use their connections like I like because because the thing is this, listen, Historically, historically, you know, the white kids did it, and I'm not and let's be clear, I'm not mad at it do it, but I do feel.

01:00:42
Speaker 1: Like when it comes to our community.

01:00:44
Speaker 2: Do you think that they're not using it? They are using it? You know the black kids. Though you think they're not using their connection.

01:00:50
Speaker 1: Well, I feel like the thing is they're not using it and being like fuck you like have no fucks to get if you are, like, for example, Laurie Harvey, who obviously Steve Harvey's daughter, and she recently appeared on the Hulu show Reasonably Doubt, no doubt and did a great job, like, did a wonderful job. But to me, it's sort of like, sure, did she get a leg up app so fucking lutely, like we're not gonna pretend like that wasn't the case. But in her defense, everybody EJ was like, oh, this bitch can add and they were pleasantly surprised by it. Right, And she did an interview I believe it was on the real Jennifer Hudson and she acknowledged that, look, he is my dad, I get it. What do you want me to do?

01:01:52
Speaker 2: Yeah? I think for me, it was just one of those things that's like, listen, you can you can book me on a roll because of my last Like that is completely you're right, you know, the casting directors, the producers or whatever, you can you can book me. However, for whatever reason you want to, but it is my responsibility to give an unforgettable performance, to give a powerful performance that is remembered and so they can say, oh that bitch really can act. That's my job. So I did my part like I've worked. I've done the work, like I'm confident in my skills and my talent. So therefore, when the camera starts rolling, I'm ready. Now you get and in the comment section you can say whatever you please, like you know, that's on all of you. But it's like, again, there's nothing I can do. You know, it's like he is my dad whatever, like you know, same thing in her case. It's like what do you know, It's like people just need to be mad about something, to be honest, like everyone needs, you know, they always have to be mad about something Shale in the comments, Like it's very sad. I feel sad for those people. I really do, yeah, because I mean it's just like wow, So you're okay.

01:03:05
Speaker 1: So the goal for you in twenty twenty six you're an acting class is so movies, TV shows, you want to do everything?

01:03:16
Speaker 2: Yeah? Yeah, I've been I've been training since like twenty eighteen, so it's been like seven years now or eight years now, So yeah, if they've gotten to the point where I like, I'm ready to do to handle bigger roles and bigger opportunities. But yeah, definitely television movies. Like you know, I've got my eye in a couple of projects that are casting currently and soon and so I'm just going full forest. I'm just like super excited about it.

01:03:44
Speaker 1: Do you know what I see you doing? What all's fair? I see you being like a pairalegal.

01:03:53
Speaker 2: I didn't I didn't watch it.

01:03:55
Speaker 1: Oh you know watch it?

01:03:56
Speaker 2: No, I didn't watch it. I okay, I no, I mean some peop like it.

01:04:01
Speaker 1: I love it is camp but I'm saying.

01:04:03
Speaker 2: It's very campy.

01:04:04
Speaker 1: I see you, baby, being a pair of legal and you are like that pairalegal who was like very stern and the fashions there and you know, like like this character or no, so Ryan Murphy, please take it. But like I see you being like how Diane Carrol was.

01:04:26
Speaker 2: But that's that's my character. Like I want to be, like I want to be the Dominique Devereux of like some show. Okay, you know what I'm saying, Like we need that, we need it, we need it one place where we really do need it. We need it on white lotus. We need a rich black bitch like really badly, Like we need that. I mean, come on, Like, I love Natasha, love it that she was working there. I'm glad she added color. But we need the rich black bitch like really badly because they exist, because they exist. But I think that they're afraid because they don't know that world because there's so few of us in the world who actually like really move and groove in that way.

01:05:03
Speaker 1: Did you feel like that growing up, Like weren't a lot of black kids in the schools you would go to our oplications?

01:05:09
Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean, like there was a few, but it's like number one, it's like we all knew each other like growing up, especially like you know, like a lot of us, especially the ones who were like in the same age group, Like you know, like we all kind of grew up together. So even if we didn't go to school together, like we knew of each other, like the Waynes or like the Washington kids and I are like close in age Denzel Washington. Oh yeah, so I grew up with his daughter Olivia. We're like a year apart. The Jackson's Samuel Jackson's daughter is a couple of years older than me, Like we're very close, like you know, like I grew up with all of those kids. And also like some I came to to yeah to know later, but like it's honestly like this, yeah, and like I said, like we all know each other, We all know the players, like you know, if you know, everybody goes to everybody's birthday parties and like events and stuff. But it's like very it's very a very small community. But it's like I just you know, the writers and the producers like they just don't know, you know. And I think we've always just like missed the opportunity for wealthy, for rich black people, affluent black shows. And I want someone want something so badly, Like every time I watch one, I'm like, no, no, this is not it, This isn't it. It's like, you know, Empire was a little more street, it was it not the refined the refinement of it all, which was fine, which was fine. And then there was a British one I watched on Amazon which was also I did just like about the haircare. Yeah, yeah, I wasn't right that one didn't read and that one and that was supposed to be up to Hampton's I'm like, this is not how people of this caliber behave, Like, no, that's just not There's no the class isn't there, the refinement isn't there, the you know, the the language isn't there, like you know. And also, as I'm also getting into writing to I think I just have to write my own I.

01:07:09
Speaker 1: Was gonna say, I'm reading why is not there is? Because what you said, First of all, you're right, you have to have a live experience even know that that exists. And number two is because you haven't written yet.

01:07:20
Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm working on it. I am working on it for sure, but it is It's very true because it's like no one would really know because it's like the doors are closed for anybody to find out like what it really looks and feels like, to be honest. But a lot of it has to do with also learning how to flourish in the white world because like you're schooling, and you know, those communities you're going in with like the elite of the white world, the Caucasian worlds as well, and that's very important to learn how to not only be but also flourish because these are the kids you're competing with these are the kids you're learning with, These the kids you're growing with. Like, and that's a whole other stratosphere.

01:08:05
Speaker 1: You have to write this.

01:08:07
Speaker 2: I'm working on it. Okay, Okay, I am working on it.

01:08:09
Speaker 1: Is fashion still your passion.

01:08:12
Speaker 2: Fashion Room also doing big things in twenty twenty six as well. I'm working on some more products, projects and products, I guess, but for But what I'm really coming to terms with is like it's a legacy, this is gonna be. The stuff I'm working on is a long burn. I'm building companies and empires and things of that nature. This is not just like, oh, here I am being cute, or here I am launching this stupid product, or you know, selling some bullshit on Instagram, Like I'm not that girl. Like I really am interested in having powerful dialogues and creating meaningful companies that are actually really going to benefit you know everyone, not just you know, the fashion community. But also we don't have a queen, we don't have a rain and Queen coming to talk to everybody, tell everybody what's cute, what's not cute, what's ugly, and what you know, what works and what is not working. And I have been waiting, and I've been praying for someone to come along for many years now. And then finally I looked at myself and I was like, bitch, I think it's you. And I'm like, damn it, Like I don't want to do it, but what I know I have to do. I have to do it. Yeah, we don't have anybody. Anna's out, everyone's out passed away, I know. And like I really wish him, like girl, like if I could just like bring you back and give you the crown so then I don't have to do the work like I would, I'd rather that. But I think he's like I think about him a lot, and like I've read a lot of his books and read his documentaries, and like I feel like that bitch is like guiding me. Like I'm feeling he's like, you got to go get to work, bitch. I'm like, all right, bitch, I'm doing it. But he's I mean, wow, yeah, wow, what a talent I am. I actually bought one of his jackets at auction a couple of years ago, right after he passed, and like it's one of my most prized possessions. I love it. It's really beautiful.

01:09:57
Speaker 1: No, but The thing is this, I feel like this is your time and your season. It is you know, you took when when e J and the City did not come back again. What I love about you is there's not a thirsty bone in your body.

01:10:13
Speaker 2: No, do you know what I mean?

01:10:15
Speaker 1: Like you allow yourself to just like enjoy life and be a human. And I feel like in the past recent months, your Instagram is back activated. The photos that thank you, honey, the photos the portfolio you're building. Yeah, well that's what I wanted it to be.

01:10:36
Speaker 2: Yeah, that was my first goal was to get a handle on that, because that's why I hated posting for so long, because like, you know, I did that. I was at the forefront when people were posting looks and like I was at the beginning of that before it was even like a thing. You know. It's like so like I couldn't continue on just doing it to do it, and I wasn't going to compete with all these other girls, you know, the other bitches who think that they're bombing and they're not bombed, And like I just had to find a way to do to tell the story the way that I wanted to. And I was like, oh, well, you know what we what don't we have? Oh, we don't have a fabulous fashion magazine anymore because like you know, nobody reads and you know, we don't have there. These magazines are not putting in the budget and the effort to create these beautiful magazines that we grew up with. And I was like, that's what we're gonna do. I'm just gonna make a very high editorial, you know, all of the Popper's bazaars and the folk shoots that I was obsessed with as a kid, and I'm going to tell the story and also show this highest version of myself through that lens that I've always loved. And that's that's that's where I kind of got on that. And so now I'm going to start adding video component. So now we'll do some more talking, We'll do some more you know, kind of showing and educating, because I think that's also very important. People are really missing the mark right now. Like I'm glad everybody's at the table, you know, social media and the fact that like you know, everything kind of just blew up and like you know, everyone's at the at the at the table with fashion big before, like especially when I was like you know, moved here in the you know, twenty ten. In college and in the early blog days, it's like that door was like closed. Yeah, like if you you it was impossible. You had to get you know, Nana winch Ars somebody to come and be like, oh you, you can come in. But everyone, you know, everyone was very like oh no. And so now that that all blew up and everyone's here, we have to now we have to start talking about a dressing appropriately for everybody and finding what works for everybody, and you know, telling a different story because you know, we're gender inclusive, we're body conscious and all of these things now, which is lovely, but like, you know, let's let's let's let's start, you know, finding the best version of ourselves and our best styles, which I think is being missed because nobody I don't think has the eye or the knowledge of the capability to really have those conversations.

01:12:54
Speaker 1: You need to be the met gala.

01:12:57
Speaker 2: I mean, it's all of that. It's such a certain right now, like oh my god, the outfits are so bad Jesus Christ. But I told myself, I was like, should the invitation come, we can go just once, just to just to go. But it's really horrible, like the red carved. I know, I'm like the only one who really like it looks at this with such a strong eye, but I'm like, I cannot.

01:13:21
Speaker 1: But that's why we need you, because again we don't. Again, I know you have the eye and you need to be part of the of the committee.

01:13:27
Speaker 2: I just can't with the Halloween costumes. Like I'm really over it. Not Halloween, I'm really over it. No, it's it really is. It's like the Halloween parade. It's it's it's not cute. It's like, you know, like take me back to like you know, Rihanna showing up in the giant yellow silk coat with the fur rim Yes, like that time when everyone was really doing it respect to that met Ball.

01:13:50
Speaker 1: What girl is doing it for you right now in the Passion apartment.

01:13:53
Speaker 2: I have to give it only to myself because like I'm the only girl. I swear, I'm the only girl that I can gag myself. I'm sorry to everyone else, I can only give the crown to me. I'm I'm I'm very very sad about that because I wish I could. I really wish I could give it to somebody else. But like honestly, like I'm the only person where I'm like, yes, bitch, you're really doing it. But even when I put this outfit together, I was.

01:14:18
Speaker 1: Like, yes, I do everything. Why Sun, I was like, I need I'm loving man, you are bad bitch.

01:14:28
Speaker 2: I'm sorry.

01:14:28
Speaker 1: I know.

01:14:29
Speaker 2: I mean, like I just like I have to give credit where credit is due, you know what I'm saying. Like right now, it's like I'm at the point where I'm I'm kind of just like giving homage to the to when everybody was at their height, you know, Like I'm not a person who's like, oh god, I hate that bitch because she never gets it right, you know. But like I'm just like, like you know, early Rihanna, Yes, you know, like twenty ten to like twenty like seventeen, Like, yes, yes, those looks I I like to look back on. I like to look back on those looks a lot. They're great, you know. And I mean a lot of people talk a lot of shit about Kim and and you know, I just but she had that one period from like twenty fifteen to like two thousand and seventeen were you know, you know, blessed Kanye. I don't know what's going on with him. But when he was a part of it, it looks were great.

01:15:25
Speaker 1: Can I tell you something and this is me telling you the Gottan is true. I was literally talking to somebody maybe two months ago, and for some reason one of Kim's looks came to my feed and I went down the rabbit hole of these iconic looks that were hit of his time. Like one time was like a latext dress and I'm just like and it was hot pink, and I'm like and like avia the glasses and I'm like, wait a minute, this was like everything And then and then I was like, oh, this is the Kanye era. Who listen. I'm only talking about his genius in terms of like fashion County.

01:16:06
Speaker 2: I have to give the credit when it's due, and he really and I mean that's what I'm saying. I don't know what's going on with him. I have no idea. I'm not, you know, condoning any of the messaging that he's been putting out. It's been just ugly and crazy. Yes, but it is the loss of a great you know, it's almost like a passing. You know, it is almost like a passing because he was an incredible eye for style. You really couldn't beat it. He was. He had an incredible eye for style and fashion. He looked at his looks, the looks he put her in at the time, like, I mean wow, Like he really was brilliant. It is just you know, it's just a morning all of a loss. To be honest, it's just like, you know, wow, it's really unfortunate.

01:16:49
Speaker 1: Yeah. No, I had the count sign that one.

01:16:50
Speaker 2: Yeah.

01:16:51
Speaker 1: I literally was talking about that recently.

01:16:52
Speaker 2: Yeah. Go, it's it's really that just like for her, it's just that one fashion week. Unfortunately it was the fashion week she got robbed. But the looks of that fashion week. I have to go back and loo dressed, dressed, dressed. I so eat Jay.

01:17:11
Speaker 1: Let the girls know what is next for you. How can they support you? Follow you all those things?

01:17:18
Speaker 2: You can follow my Instagram, keep on keep keep your eye on me. Yeah. Like I said, it's like, there'll definitely be some acting moments coming very shortly. They've got video content coming in on the socials. Right now, I just have Instagram, but I've been talking about about adding like a TikTok and some other things. So I think that that's probably somewhere down the line as well, but yeah, totally keep involved because we're literally just getting started. Like there's just like so many fabulous things that like we're getting ready to do and like both in the short term and the long term, so all the terms are covered.

01:17:58
Speaker 1: Products, projects, the whole thing. You're not here for a short time, here for a long time. Yeah, And I love that about you, Like you're again I keep saying this, but I think in a world where people feel the need to just put themselves out there for the sake of being out there and afraid of being irrelevant, I love the fact that you're more focused on like building a foundation that lasts, you know, even at the years of you And that's amazing.

01:18:27
Speaker 2: Yes, I think right now the world is so focused on fast everyone fast money fast. You know. It's all about like the people who are rich for a day or a year and then nothing, you know after that. And like it just dawned on me because I'm coming up with a lot of amazing ideas and I'm like, wow, a lot of these ideas are going to take some time, but like they're going to be massive. But it's like that's when it dawned to me. I was like, oh, These are legacy things. These are these are companies, these are empire things. These are things that are going to last a long time after you're gone and also will be a gift, you know, to humanity. Something you can just be like, here you go. Now I'm I'm gonna go do something else, or I'm gonna retire. I'm gonna, you know, just go on with my life with being fabus of something that I can just be like, I gave I created this and now I'm gonna give it to the world and move on. But a lot of the stuff that I'm thinking about, and a lot of stuff that I've already put pen to paper and started having early meetings on.

01:19:23
Speaker 1: It's very that yes e j jah Sai y'all. Reality with the King is executive produced by me Carlos King, produced by Lizzie Mimics, and a partnership with the Lack of Effect Network. You can also find us on my YouTube channel at BI Carlos King Underscore