Peter Attia Out at CBS News After Epstein Files Correspondence Disclosures (Exclusive)

Hollywood Reporter

by Alex Weprin

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Dr. Peter Attia, a prominent longevity researcher and health influencer, has stepped down from his role as a contributor to CBS News following the release of correspondence between him and Jeffrey Epstein in the Department of Justice's "Epstein Files." The decision was announced by CBS News staff in a note from the network’s booking department on Monday. Attia voluntarily resigned immediately, acknowledging that the public exposure of these emails, which include crude banter, has caused significant embarrassment and humiliation. He expressed regret for putting himself in such a position and accepted responsibility for the situation. Attia had been recruited by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss as part of her plan to overhaul the network’s news division by bringing in more diverse voices. His contributions were expected to enhance both linear and digital coverage. However, the release of the Epstein Files, which include nearly 1,700 mentions of Attia across 3 million documents, has overshadowed his involvement with CBS. The emails primarily date back to the mid-2010s, a period following Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from someone under 18 but before the 2018 Miami Herald exposé and his 2019 arrest. While Attia emphasized that he did not engage in or know about any criminal activity, the mere association with Epstein has severely damaged his reputation. CBS’ decision to pull a rerun of a 60 Minutes segment featuring Attia highlights the immediate impact of this scandal on his professional standing. As a critic of “cancel culture,” Weiss had previously supported him, but the circumstances have shifted dramatically. Attia’s case underscores the challenges public figures face when their past associations resurface, even if no direct wrongdoing is proven.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/23/2026