NEW YORK (Journos News) – Dr. Peter Attia, a prominent physician and longevity advocate, has resigned from a contributor role at CBS News after his name appeared in recently released U.S. Justice Department files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The resignation follows renewed scrutiny over Attia’s past email correspondence with Epstein. While Attia has denied any wrongdoing and said he did not attend any events connected to Epstein’s criminal conduct, he acknowledged that some of his messages were inappropriate and publicly apologized earlier this month.
CBS News confirmed on Monday that Attia stepped down from his post.
Attia’s Role at CBS News
Attia, known for his podcast and bestselling book Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity, had recently been named a contributor to CBS News programming. The announcement was made last month by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
He had also been featured in a profile on the long-running program 60 Minutes, which aired in October and highlighted his approach to preventive medicine and lifespan research.
His appointment was part of a broader effort by CBS News to bring subject-matter experts into its programming lineup. However, the timing quickly became complicated as additional Epstein-related documents entered the public domain.
Emails Surface in Epstein Document Release
The latest batch of documents, released by the U.S. Department of Justice, included references to numerous individuals across business, academia, politics and media who had various forms of contact with Epstein over the years.
Attia’s name appeared multiple times in email exchanges. In a public statement issued earlier this month, he said he had corresponded with Epstein in a professional context but had no knowledge of his criminal behavior at the time. He described some of the language in those emails as “embarrassing, tasteless and indefensible,” adding that he regretted the communications.
■ Related News
Epstein, who was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges, died by suicide in a New York jail while awaiting trial. His case has continued to reverberate across public life, with court filings and document releases drawing attention to the breadth of his social and professional network.
CBS News Response and Resignation
Following the disclosure of Attia’s name in the documents, CBS News faced public questions about his role at the network. According to published reports, the organization did not initially sever ties after the documents surfaced.
Instead, Attia resigned voluntarily. CBS News confirmed the resignation but did not provide additional comment on internal discussions surrounding the decision.
The episode reflects the ongoing sensitivity surrounding individuals linked — even indirectly — to Epstein. In recent weeks, several public figures in corporate and civic sectors have stepped back from roles after their names appeared in document releases connected to the case.
Broader Implications
The continued release of Epstein-related materials has periodically renewed attention on the extent of his relationships with prominent individuals. Inclusion in documents does not in itself imply wrongdoing, a point repeatedly emphasized by legal experts and officials. However, the reputational impact has proven significant in many cases.
For Attia, whose public profile centers on science-based health advocacy and longevity research, the resignation marks a setback in his growing media presence. His podcast and medical commentary have attracted a large following, particularly among audiences interested in preventive health and performance optimization.
CBS News has not announced whether it will replace Attia in the contributor role or adjust its approach to external expert appointments.
The Justice Department has not indicated whether additional large-scale document releases are forthcoming. Legal proceedings tied to Epstein’s estate and associates continue to unfold in federal courts.
As institutions and individuals navigate the fallout, the episode underscores how historical associations — particularly in cases involving criminal misconduct — can resurface with renewed force years later, shaping professional trajectories in real time.
Source: AP News – Medical influencer Attia resigns post at CBS News after name included in multiple Epstein files
