Wellness and anti-aging doctor Peter Attia has stepped away from his newly announced role at CBS News, following the disclosure of communications he had with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to multiple news outlets.
Attia, a physician who has become a prominent voice in longevity and wellness, had been publicly named as a CBS contributor in January, part of a larger wave of hires overseen by the network’s new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss. His work at CBS was set to focus on health, wellness, and anti-aging topics, building on the public profile he has developed over the past decade through media appearances, podcasts, and books.
The news of Attia’s departure was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter and later confirmed by The Hill and The New York Times. In a statement, a spokesperson for Attia clarified that his role “had not meaningfully begun.” They added:
“As such he stepped back to ensure his involvement didn’t become a distraction from the important work being done at CBS. He wishes the network and its leadership well and has no further comment at this time.”
The timing of Attia’s exit coincides with the recent release of a large trove of documents related to Epstein’s criminal case by the U.S. Department of Justice. The files included communications, flight logs, and other records spanning years, naming dozens of high-profile individuals across media, politics, and business.
Among the released material were emails and messages showing correspondence between Attia and Epstein. In one highlighted exchange, Attia described Epstein as someone who “might literally be one of the — if not the — most interesting people I’ve ever met,” according to reporting from the Times. While appearing in the files does not indicate criminal wrongdoing, public scrutiny intensified around individuals whose communications with Epstein were revealed.
Attia is now among several figures who have faced pressure to reconsider professional roles after being named in the documents. CBS News, which had already been under scrutiny for its hiring practices and leadership changes under Weiss, is navigating a particularly sensitive moment. Some observers say the network’s handling of the Epstein-linked disclosures underscores the ongoing tension between journalistic integrity, public accountability, and the management of high-profile contributors.
CBS News Leadership and Response
CBS News has faced heightened attention from media watchdogs and political observers in recent months. Since Weiss’s appointment as editor-in-chief, the network has implemented several organizational and editorial changes, prompting debates about internal culture, content direction, and oversight. Paramount, CBS News’ parent company, has also been under scrutiny regarding these shifts, with analysts noting that leadership decisions at the network often attract wider public commentary.
Though the network has not released a formal statement specifically addressing Attia’s departure beyond confirming the transition of staff responsibilities, insiders describe the decision as mutual and aimed at preventing distraction from ongoing reporting. Sources emphasized that Attia’s exit was voluntary and framed around ensuring that broader network operations and programming remain the focus for both staff and viewers.
Attia’s Media Career and Public Profile
Prior to joining CBS, Attia built a considerable reputation in media and wellness circles. He hosts a popular podcast focusing on longevity, metabolic health, and performance optimization, and has been a frequent guest on television programs discussing medical research and practical health strategies. His approach emphasizes a combination of clinical science, nutritional insight, and preventative health practices.
Attia’s public persona as a thought leader in anti-aging and health science has made him a recognizable figure beyond traditional medical circles. He has published research, appeared in documentaries, and lectured on topics ranging from cardiovascular risk reduction to metabolic flexibility. His communications with Epstein, however, now form part of a broader conversation about the responsibilities of public figures when interacting with controversial or criminally implicated individuals.
The Epstein File Context
The release of the Epstein files, mandated under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, included millions of pages of emails, flight logs, photographs, and investigative notes. Individuals named in the documents range from business leaders and celebrities to academics and politicians. While inclusion in the files does not imply guilt or criminal conduct, media coverage has amplified public scrutiny, particularly for those with active public or professional roles.
Epstein, who died in 2019 while in federal custody, had been convicted for sex trafficking and related crimes, and his associations with influential figures have continued to generate public interest and investigation. For media professionals like Attia, appearing in the released communications introduces reputational risk even when no legal wrongdoing occurred.
Broader Implications for Media Professionals
Attia’s exit highlights a challenging environment for media outlets in handling contributors with historical connections to controversial figures. Networks must balance editorial integrity, audience trust, and the reputational impact of public scrutiny. Experts note that transparency, timely communication, and proactive management of personnel are key to mitigating potential fallout when sensitive documents are made public.
For individuals like Attia, even neutral or professional interactions can attract attention, raising questions about judgment, associations, and the optics of being linked to high-profile criminal cases. Media analysts argue that the response of CBS News — allowing a voluntary step-back before Attia’s tenure began in earnest — reflects a cautious approach intended to minimize distraction and protect both the contributor and the organization.
Moving Forward
Peter Attia has not indicated whether he plans to resume public media work in the future, and CBS News continues to move forward with its programming under Weiss’s leadership. As public discourse evolves around transparency, accountability, and professional responsibility, the case serves as an example of how historical associations can influence present-day opportunities.
For the network, the episode also reinforces the need for thorough vetting, careful consideration of contributor backgrounds, and the ongoing balance between journalistic mission and reputational management. For Attia, stepping aside early allows him to maintain focus on his core work in wellness, longevity research, and medical education, while limiting potential distraction from broader news coverage.
In the months ahead, media observers will likely continue to assess both individual and institutional responses to the Epstein files, noting patterns in accountability, risk management, and public relations. Attia’s case, though limited in duration at CBS, will remain a touchpoint in discussions about professional ethics and the intersection of media, celebrity, and historical controversy.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
