Peter Attia Leaves CBS News Amid Epstein Files Fallout

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by Maggie Astor and Benjamin Mullin

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Peter Attia, the longevity influencer and medical professional, has resigned from his role as a contributor to CBS News following the revelation of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced sex offender. The Justice Department’s release of Epstein’s files, which included over 1,700 documents referencing Attia, sparked widespread condemnation. These emails revealed that Attia had provided medical advice to Epstein, including arranging extensive testing and making inappropriate comments about women. The fallout began in January when CBS announced Attia as a new contributor, just days before the Epstein files were made public. Following the disclosures, CBS remained silent on the matter, with representatives refusing to comment on Attia’s future role. A spokesman for Attia stated that his contribution had barely begun and that he stepped down to avoid becoming a distraction. Attia also resigned from his position as chief science officer at David, a protein bar company, after the details of his relationship with Epstein came to light. The emails uncovered in the Epstein files show that Attia’s involvement with the controversial figure began in 2015, several years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to prostitution charges involving a minor. The correspondence appeared to end in December 2018, shortly after Epstein’s crimes were detailed in media reports. This revelation has drawn sharp criticism from other medical professionals and raised questions about Attia’s judgment and ethical standards. The situation highlights the broader implications of associating with individuals like Epstein, even in a professional capacity. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly for public figures like Attia, who hold influence in both media and health industries. The resignation marks a significant blow to CBS News, which had just begun building a relationship with Attia as part of its contributor lineup. This story matters because it sheds light on the ethical dilemmas faced by influencers and professionals when their past associations come under scrutiny. It also raises questions about how media outlets vet their contributors in an era where even unspoken ties can lead to reputational damage. For readers, this serves as a reminder of the need to critically assess the backgrounds and connections of public figures, especially those in positions of trust.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026