Quick Read
- Dr. Peter Attia resigned from CBS News on February 23, 2026.
- His resignation followed the public release of his past emails with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Attia stated he was not involved in criminal activity and apologized for “tasteless” exchanges.
- CBS had previously pulled a “60 Minutes” segment featuring Attia.
- Attia is known for his work in longevity science and Medicine 3.0.
WASHINGTON D.C. (Azat TV) – Dr. Peter Attia, a prominent figure in longevity science and the founder of Early Medical, resigned as a contributor to CBS News on Monday, February 23, 2026, following the public release of his past email correspondence with convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. Attia stated he stepped back to ensure his involvement did not become a distraction for the network, a move that came just weeks after CBS pulled a segment featuring him from a repeat airing of “60 Minutes.”
Attia, known for his ‘Medicine 3.0’ approach focused on extending human lifespan and healthspan through preventative care, was part of a new group of contributors recruited by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss. His departure highlights the ongoing repercussions for public figures whose connections to Epstein have been revealed through documents released by the Department of Justice.
Peter Attia’s Departure from CBS News
The resignation of Dr. Peter Attia, initially reported by The Hollywood Reporter, was confirmed by a spokesman for Attia, who emphasized that his contributor role was newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun. Attia expressed well wishes for the network and its leadership, stating he had no further comment at this time. This decision followed the release of millions of documents related to criminal probes of Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, which brought Attia’s name to public attention.
Despite the fallout, Attia has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. However, the decision by CBS to pull a previously aired ’60 Minutes’ segment featuring him, days after the emails became public, signaled the network’s concerns. Attia’s name reportedly appears approximately 1,700 times within the vast collection of Epstein documents released on January 30, underscoring the extent of their past contact.
Attia’s Explanation of Epstein Interactions
Addressing the controversy in an X post on February 3, Attia clarified his position, stating, “I was not involved in any criminal activity;” “My interactions with Epstein had nothing to do with his sexual abuse or exploitation of anyone;” and “I was never on his plane, never on his island, and never present at any sex parties.” He also expressed apology and regret for putting himself in a position where some emails, which he described as “embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible,” became public.
Attia specifically addressed a June 2015 email exchange with Epstein. He had sent a message with the subject line “Got a fresh shipment,” including a photograph of bottles of metformin, a medication he used. Epstein reportedly replied with “me too” and an attached photograph of an adult woman, to which Attia admitted responding with “crude, tasteless banter.” He described this exchange as ‘juvenile’ at the time but now finds it “very embarrassing” and “ashamed of myself for everything about this.”
Attia explained that he initially met Epstein in 2014 through a ‘prominent female health leader’ while he was engaged in fundraising for scientific research. Between the summer of 2014 and the spring of 2019, he met with Epstein on approximately seven or eight occasions at his New York City home. These meetings were typically for direct discussions with Epstein, or with small groups of scientists, doctors, or business leaders. He specified that he never visited Epstein’s private island or ranch, nor did he ever fly on any of Epstein’s planes.
Attia further elaborated that he directly inquired about Epstein’s 2008 conviction shortly after they met, and Epstein characterized it as “prostitution-related charges.” Attia admitted he was “incredibly naïve to believe him” and that he mistook Epstein’s ‘social acceptance in the eyes of the credible people I saw him with for acceptability.’ He maintained that he never witnessed illegal behavior or saw anyone who appeared underage in Epstein’s presence.
Wider Impact of Epstein Files on Public Figures
The fallout from the Epstein files has extended beyond Attia, with several other prominent individuals having left or faced scrutiny in their positions after their correspondence with Epstein was made public by the DOJ. This ongoing release of documents, which began on January 30, continues to reveal connections between Epstein and various sectors, including media, finance, and politics. Being named in the DOJ files does not constitute proof of wrongdoing, and no one mentioned in the files has been criminally charged since their public release.
Dr. Attia, who is also the author of the bestselling book “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity” and host of the popular podcast “The Peter Attia Drive,” continues his work in advancing longevity science through his medical practice, Early Medical. His focus remains on applying innovative ‘Medicine 3.0’ principles to patient care, even as his public profile navigates the repercussions of these historical associations.
The ongoing revelations from the Epstein files underscore the persistent scrutiny faced by public figures, highlighting how past associations, even without direct implication in criminal activity, can significantly impact professional roles and public perception.