CBS News is standing by contributor Peter Attia despite the emergence of emails exchanged with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a decision that reflects the editorial direction of recently appointed Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss. The controversy surfaced last week with the release of a new batch of documents related to the Epstein case, revealing a series of communications between Attia and Epstein, including what was described as a “crude discussion about female genitalia.”
Attia, a Stanford-trained physician known for his work in longevity medicine and author of the best-selling book “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity,” was among the 19 new contributors announced by CBS News on . Just two days later, his name appeared in the Justice Department’s latest release of Epstein-related files.
The emails have prompted scrutiny, with one exchange from , featuring the subject line “Got a fresh shipment,” drawing particular attention. Another message revealed Attia’s frustration with the secrecy surrounding Epstein’s life, writing, “You [know] the biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can’t tell a soul…”
Attia has publicly apologized for the correspondence. In a post on X on , he stated, “I apologize and regret putting myself in a position where emails, some of them embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible, are now public, and that is on me. I accept that reality and the humiliation that comes with it.” He also affirmed that he had not been involved in any criminal activity and had never visited Epstein’s island.
While the association with Epstein would typically be considered grounds for dismissal by a news organization, particularly for a non-full-time employee, CBS News has indicated it has no plans to sever ties with Attia. This decision is reportedly linked to Weiss’s stance against what she perceives as “cancel culture” and a desire to avoid appearing reactive to the widespread attention surrounding the Epstein case. As founder of The Free Press and a vocal critic of the political left, Weiss is said to be prioritizing a consistent editorial approach.
Weiss joined CBS News in October following Paramount’s acquisition of The Free Press. Her tenure has already been marked by controversial decisions, including a delay in airing a “60 Minutes” segment concerning the treatment of undocumented migrants in El Salvador, a move some insiders believe was intended to align with the preferences of President Trump.
The fallout from the Epstein revelations has not been limited to Attia’s role at CBS News. He has stepped down as chief science officer for David, a protein bar maker, and AGI, a powdered supplement company, has dropped him as a scientific advisor. CBS News is also pulling a “60 Minutes” profile of Attia that originally aired in October, removing it from a scheduled re-airing during the Super Bowl weekend.
Despite the removal of the profile, industry observers suggest that Attia’s future appearances on CBS News are unlikely. The concern centers on the potential difficulty in attracting advertisers to programs featuring someone linked to Epstein, given the sensitive nature of the allegations and the potential for negative publicity. Health-related segments, in particular, often rely heavily on sponsor support.
Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution, including from a minor, in . He was found dead in his jail cell in , shortly after being arrested on federal sex-trafficking charges. Attia’s correspondence with Epstein reportedly occurred between and , encompassing approximately seven or eight meetings at Epstein’s New York City home, which Attia has described as being related to research studies and networking opportunities.
Attia’s company, Early Medical, offers a program focused on promoting healthier aging. The situation at CBS News underscores the complex challenges facing media organizations navigating the intersection of public scrutiny, editorial independence, and the legacy of the Epstein scandal.
