Dr. Peter Attia, a prominent voice in longevity science and author of the bestselling book “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity,” has resigned from his recently established contributor role at CBS News. The decision comes following the release of documents from the Justice Department detailing his past communications with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Attia informed CBS of his resignation effective immediately, with the news division’s booking department notifying staff on Monday, February 23, 2026, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The fallout stems from emails released earlier this month that reveal a series of exchanges between Attia and Epstein dating back to the 2010s. These communications, as reported by USA Today, included jokes, meeting arrangements, and discussions about Epstein’s health. While Attia has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, the content of the emails has drawn significant scrutiny.
Controversial Emails Prompt Resignation
A spokesperson for Attia stated that his contributor role was “newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun.” The spokesperson added that Attia “stepped back to ensure his involvement didn’t become a distraction from the important work being done at CBS,” wishing the network and its leadership well. Attia himself acknowledged the problematic nature of the emails in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on February 2, stating he regretted “putting myself in a position where emails, some of them embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible, are now public.”
One particularly jarring email, from February 2016, contained a crude joke by Attia about female genitalia, described as “low carb” in reports from The New York Times. Attia has maintained that his interactions with Epstein were unrelated to any criminal activity, asserting he “was never on his plane, never on his island, and never present at any sex parties.”
CBS News and the Recent Hiring Spree
Attia was recruited as part of a broader effort by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss to “invigorate” the network’s news division, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Weiss, hired by Paramount Skydance chief David Ellison, brought on a number of high-profile contributors, including historian Niall Ferguson and wellness influencer Andrew Huberman. CBS News had previously pulled a rerun of a “60 Minutes” segment featuring Attia in response to the surfacing of the emails.
Epstein, who pleaded guilty to child prostitution charges in Florida in 2008, died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His case continues to generate significant public interest and scrutiny, with ongoing revelations from the released court documents.
Attia’s Background and Apology
Attia is a physician and advocate for longevity science, a field focused on extending lifespan, and healthspan. He hosts the popular podcast “The Peter Attia Drive” and has built a substantial following through his social media content. In his statement, Attia apologized for the emails, acknowledging the “humiliation” that comes with their public release. CBS News reported that Attia met with Epstein approximately seven or eight times between 2014 and 2019 at Epstein’s New York City home, reportedly to discuss research studies and meet with others.
The situation highlights the challenges news organizations face when vetting contributors with complex pasts and the potential for reputational damage when associations with controversial figures come to light. The network has not commented on whether Attia’s departure will impact future contributor selections.
The implications of these revelations for Attia’s career and the broader conversation around public figures and their associations remain to be seen. Further scrutiny of the Epstein files is expected, and it is likely that additional connections and details will emerge in the coming weeks and months. Readers are encouraged to follow ongoing reporting on this developing story and engage in respectful discussion.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
