Magic Johnson's son, Earvin "E.J." Johnson III, gave his first interview since coming out as gay a few weeks ago and said that the news of his sexual preference broke sooner than he wanted.

The 20-year-old son of the basketball legend said he was surprised by the publicity of the news, and admitted that his family has been supportive.

In an interview posted Tuesday on the YouTube.com talk show Gwissues, E.J said he didn't think it was a big deal that TMZ revealed he's gay because his family and friends already knew for at least five years.

"It was almost as if I was coming out of the closet again so like reliving," he said, "the experience has just been both exciting and interesting rather because I've been through it but to have the media involved is just different but I'm reveling in it."

E.J. is currently a junior at New York University and studies event management and design, with an interest in fashion, journalism and media. He noted that the public outburst following the reveal of his sexual preference ranged from support to criticism, including online comments that said "nasty things about me and what I'm doing."

"It's almost like they're attacking me for being me and so to that I can only say, 'Well, I can only be myself, so I don't know really what you want me to do,'" he told talk show host Howard Bragman. "I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do. My parents have always been super supportive. My sister and I have always been really close, and she's been really supportive as with my brother."

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