Dr Peter Attia, a prominent longevity expert and author, has stepped aside from his recently announced role as a CBS News contributor. The 52-year-old's decision follows the release of court documents that detail extensive communications between Attia and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news, which was confirmed to Business Insider by a person familiar with the situation. Attia was among more than a dozen new contributors brought to CBS News by top editor Bari Weiss in late January.
Emails Deemed "Indefensible"
Days after his CBS appointment, a new tranche of documents related to Epstein was unsealed. Attia's name appears over 1,700 times within the files. These include what he later described as "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible" emails containing crude remarks about women's genitalia, sent in correspondence with Epstein.
In a statement addressing the emails, Attia said, "The man I am today, roughly ten years later, would not write them and would not associate with Epstein at all." He has built a significant public profile through his podcast, videos on extending lifespan, and his bestselling book "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity."
Further Professional Repercussions
The fallout from the document release has extended beyond his media role. Attia has also resigned from his position as chief science officer at the protein bar company David Protein. Furthermore, he is no longer listed as an advisor for the sleep technology firm Eight Sleep.
Attia's case adds to a list of prominent figures facing professional and reputational consequences following their appearance in the Epstein files. Others include Britain's Prince Andrew, who settled a civil sexual assault case in 2022.
The documents continue to reveal the scope of Epstein's network, implicating various individuals from business, politics, and academia. Attia's rapid departure from a major news network underscores the ongoing sensitivity and serious professional implications associated with any connection to the financier's circle.