CBS News cuts ties with longevity expert Peter Attia amid Epstein revelations - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Stephen Battaglio

February 23, 2026

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CBS News has severed ties with longevity expert Peter Attia following the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files, which revealed over 1,700 mentions of Attia. The decision came after discussions between Attia and CBS editor in chief Bari Weiss, leading to his resignation. Attia had been hired as a contributor but never appeared on air due to the controversy surrounding his ties to Epstein. The situation escalated when Epstein’s files were made public, sparking concerns about Attia's involvement with Epstein. Internal emails showed crude discussions about female genitalia and expressions of frustration over not being able to talk about Epstein’s activities. Despite these revelations, Weiss initially resisted cutting ties immediately, as she has been critical of cancel culture since joining CBS News following the acquisition of her digital platform, *The Free Press*. From a business perspective, retaining Attia was untenable for CBS. Health segments are attractive to advertisers, and any association with Attia would likely have led to negative press and lost sponsorship opportunities. As a result, CBS pulled an upcoming episode of *60 Minutes* featuring Attia, and he stepped down from his roles as a scientific advisor and chief science officer for several companies. Attia’s resignation highlights the challenges media outlets face in balancing free speech with public accountability. The decision reflects how quickly public perception can impact professional credibility, particularly when tied to controversial figures like Epstein. This case underscores the growing scrutiny of individuals’ past associations, even those unrelated to current work, and the pressure to avoid becoming a distraction from core business goals. The situation also raises questions about the role of cancel culture in modern media. While Weiss initially resisted immediate action, the weight of public opinion and potential advertiser backlash ultimately led to Attia’s departure.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/23/2026