Celebrity doctor Peter Attia has stepped down from his recently appointed contributor role at CBS News after documents emerged connecting him to Jeffrey Epstein. The move follows growing attention on personal messages he exchanged with the convicted financier, prompting concerns about his professional associations.
Attia, a physician recognized for his focus on longevity and wellness, released a statement through a spokesperson indicating that he withdrew from the CBS position before it officially began. “He stepped back to ensure his participation would not divert attention from the significant work underway at CBS,” the statement noted. Attia also conveyed his best wishes to the network and its leadership and declined to provide additional remarks.
The recently released Epstein files revealed private messages between Attia and the financier, including suggestive and explicit content. In one message dating back to 2016, Attia wrote, “P*ssy is, indeed, low-carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though.” The disclosure prompted criticism from both the public and followers who had previously admired his work in health science.
CBS News contributor strategy under scrutiny
Attia was among 19 new contributors introduced in January as part of CBS News’ broader strategy under Bari Weiss, who became the network’s head in October. Weiss described the initiative as a first step toward transforming the network’s approach and reaching a wider, more engaged audience. During a January town hall, she emphasized that the network could not remain anchored solely to traditional broadcast viewers. “If we stick to that strategy, we’re toast,” she warned staffers, highlighting the urgency of modernization.
Although Attia offered apologies to his colleagues and patients, Weiss at first seemed inclined to keep him on. His earlier contributions to Weiss’ podcast, “Honestly,” had been noted for their clear explanations and thoughtful guidance through intricate health issues. CBS News has not released any further statement in response to the public backlash.
Public and professional response
The release of the Epstein files generated intense reactions, with many fans and industry observers questioning Attia’s judgment and professional associations. In early February, he addressed these concerns directly on X, asserting that he had not engaged in any criminal activity and had never visited Epstein’s private island, planes, or attended any illicit gatherings. “To be clear, I never witnessed illegal behavior and never saw anyone who appeared underage in his presence,” Attia clarified.
Despite those assurances, the disclosures triggered additional fallout within his professional realm, leading Attia to step down as Chief Science Officer at David protein bars, as noted in a statement issued by the company’s CEO on X, while the firm offered no further clarification on whether his departure was self-initiated or driven by public pressure.
Navigating public trust and professional integrity
Attia’s resignation underscores the complexities that arise when personal associations intersect with public roles. In an era where transparency and ethical perception are paramount, public figures—particularly those in science and health—face heightened scrutiny. Attia’s situation reflects broader challenges in managing professional credibility amid revelations of past personal conduct, even when no legal wrongdoing is involved.
The episode also underscores how media organizations must carefully navigate the integration of prominent contributors, as CBS News’ new contributor initiative—designed to drive innovation and broaden its audience—was abruptly challenged by issues involving vetting and potential reputational fallout, while Weiss’ bold diversification approach has now undergone intense internal and public examination.
Prospects ahead for CBS and Attia
The fallout from the Epstein-related documents may influence how CBS News and other media organizations approach the onboarding of contributors in the future. Background checks, reputational assessment, and risk evaluation are likely to become even more rigorous, particularly for public-facing roles. For Attia, maintaining credibility in the health and wellness sector will require careful navigation, reaffirming expertise, and distancing from any associations perceived as compromising integrity.
While Attia has not been implicated in any illegal activity, public perception plays a critical role in both scientific communication and media engagement. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, context, and the potential consequences of personal interactions becoming public.
CBS News continues to manage its contributor team as part of a broader effort to modernize and appeal to audiences beyond traditional broadcast viewership. How the network responds to similar challenges in the future may shape its credibility, audience trust, and the effectiveness of its expanded contributor model.
For Peter Attia, moving ahead means reinforcing his professional standing while showing a clear dedication to ethical principles. His departure from CBS News and from his position at David protein bars signals an attempt to reduce distractions and stay centered on his longevity medicine work, despite the surrounding public scrutiny.
Ultimately, the situation illustrates the intersecting pressures of personal conduct, media responsibility, and professional accountability in the digital age. While no legal allegations have arisen, the reputational stakes remain high, influencing decisions for both the individual and the organizations with which they are affiliated.
The controversy involving Attia could also spark wider conversations about how prominent individuals interact with public figures and contentious personalities, underscoring the continual need for careful conduct, integrity, and ethical vigilance across all professional arenas.
CBS News, Peter Attia, and the broader public are likely to keep grappling with these matters as the situation unfolds, underscoring how media strategy, individual behavior, and public confidence intersect across high-profile sectors.
