Dr. Peter Attia, a physician and prominent voice in the longevity and wellness space, has resigned from his recently appointed contributor role at CBS News following the surfacing of his name in documents released as part of the ongoing legal proceedings related to Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation, confirmed by a spokesperson for Attia on , comes amid scrutiny of his past interactions with the convicted sex offender.
Attia, known for his podcast “The Drive” and his book “Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity,” had only joined CBS News in . He was one of nineteen new contributors named by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss as part of a broader effort to refresh the network’s programming. His appointment, however, quickly became controversial after his name appeared in over 1,700 documents released by the Justice Department in .
According to a statement relayed to The New York Times, Attia’s spokesperson stated that his contributor role “had not yet meaningfully begun.” The spokesperson further explained that Attia “stepped back to ensure his involvement didn’t become a distraction from the important work being done at CBS,” adding that he wishes the network and its leadership well. CBS News has not publicly commented on Attia’s departure beyond confirming the resignation.
The documents reveal a relationship between Attia and Epstein, though Attia has maintained he did not engage in any wrongdoing. He has acknowledged that some of his past emails with Epstein were “embarrassing, tasteless and indefensible,” issuing an apology earlier this month. The nature of the relationship, as detailed in the released documents, has prompted questions about judgment and associations within influential circles.
Attia’s departure is the latest in a series of resignations and re-evaluations of relationships following the release of the Epstein files. Several public figures across corporate and public sectors have faced scrutiny and consequences as their connections to Epstein have come to light. This underscores the potential reputational risks associated with past associations, even if those associations do not involve direct participation in illegal activities.
Beyond his role as a potential CBS News contributor, Attia is the founder of Outlive, a new app focused on translating longevity science into personalized daily routines and Early Medical, a medical practice centered on preventative healthcare and the principles of “Medicine 3.0.” This approach aims to proactively address chronic illnesses through advanced diagnostic tools and personalized interventions. The focus on preventative medicine and extending lifespan has made Attia a prominent figure in the health and wellness industry, attracting a significant following.
The timing of Attia’s resignation also coincides with other personnel changes at CBS News. Anderson Cooper recently announced his departure from 60 Minutes after nearly two decades with the program. These shifts suggest a period of transition and restructuring within the network, as Weiss implements changes to its programming and talent roster. The network’s move to bring in a diverse group of new contributors, alongside these departures, signals a potential shift in editorial direction.
The situation highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by public figures regarding their past associations and the potential for reputational damage. While Attia maintains he did nothing wrong, the controversy surrounding his relationship with Epstein proved to be a distraction for CBS News. The network’s initial decision to retain Attia despite the surfacing of his name in the Epstein files, followed by his subsequent resignation, illustrates the complexities of navigating such situations in the current media landscape. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for individuals and organizations regarding the importance of due diligence and the potential consequences of past connections.
The broader implications of the Epstein file releases extend beyond individual careers. They raise questions about the networks of influence surrounding Epstein and the extent to which prominent individuals may have been aware of or involved in his activities. The ongoing legal proceedings and the continued release of documents are likely to continue to generate scrutiny and potentially lead to further revelations in the coming months.
