Peter Attia Resigns From CBS News as Epstein File Fallout Accelerates

Longevity physician and bestselling author Dr. Peter Attia has resigned from his newly minted CBS News contributor role effective immediately, as cascading fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files continues to reshape his public standing. The departure, confirmed Monday, February 24, 2026, marks the latest and most high-profile professional consequence Peter Attia has faced since his name appeared more than 1,700 times in Justice Department records released January 30, 2026.

Peter Attia's CBS News Role Ends Before It Began

Peter Attia was named a CBS News contributor on January 27 by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, who was recruited to reinvigorate the network's on-air and digital lineup. The appointment lasted less than a week before the Epstein files surfaced. A spokesperson for Attia confirmed he resigned, stating the role "was newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun" and that he stepped back "to ensure his involvement didn't become a distraction."

What the Epstein Files Revealed About Peter Attia

Attia's name appears more than 1,700 times in the trove of 3 million documents released as part of the Epstein files by the U.S. Department of Justice. The correspondence stretched largely across the mid-2010s — well after Epstein's 2008 conviction.

Key details from the emails include:

• A 2016 email in which Attia wrote a crude comment to Epstein about female anatomy, phrased as a low-carb joke
• A message in which Attia wrote he went into "JE withdrawal" when he did not see Epstein
• A year in which Attia chose to spend time with Epstein instead of visiting his infant son, who had been hospitalized after entering cardiac arrest

Peter Attia's Public Apology and Defense

Peter Attia addressed the fallout in a lengthy post on X on February 2, 2026. He stated he was not involved in any criminal activity, was never on Epstein's plane, never on his island, and never present at any sex parties. He acknowledged the emails were inexcusable, writing: "I apologize and regret putting myself in a position where emails, some of them embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible, are now public, and that is on me. I accept that reality and the humiliation that comes with it."

He has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing.

Professional Consequences Mounting for Peter Attia

The CBS News exit is one of several blows to Peter Attia's professional portfolio since the files were released.

CBS News also pulled an October "60 Minutes" profile of Attia that had been scheduled to re-air this month.

Bari Weiss and the CBS News Fallout

CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, who is highly skeptical of cancel culture, initially resisted immediate action before Attia's resignation was ultimately agreed upon following discussions with her. Attia had previously appeared on Weiss' podcast "Honestly" before she took the CBS role. His departure leaves a gap in a contributor lineup that also includes historian Niall Ferguson and wellness influencer Andrew Huberman.

Who Is Peter Attia?

Beyond the controversy, Peter Attia remains one of the most influential voices in preventative medicine. He is the author of the best-selling book "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" and host of the popular podcast "The Peter Attia Drive." His Austin-based clinic, Early Medical, focuses on longevity science — emphasizing VO₂ max, strength training, nutrition, and early cancer screening as pillars of long-term health. Whether his brand and patient base can weather the ongoing Epstein file fallout remains an open question as more documents continue to surface.