Celebrity doctor Peter Attia has resigned from his newly appointed contributor position at CBS News after documents linked him to Jeffrey Epstein surfaced. The decision comes amid scrutiny over personal messages exchanged with the convicted financier, raising questions about his professional affiliations.
Attia, a physician known for his work in longevity and wellness, issued a statement through a spokesperson confirming he stepped back from the CBS role before it fully commenced. “He stepped back to ensure his involvement didn’t become a distraction from the important work being done at CBS,” the statement read. Attia added that he wished the network and its leadership well and offered no further comments.
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.
The CBS News contributor strategy faces renewed examination
Attia was one of 19 new contributors unveiled in January as part of CBS News’ broader strategy under Bari Weiss, who took over as the network’s head in October. Weiss characterized the effort as an initial move to reshape the network’s direction and connect with a larger, more engaged audience. At a January town hall, she stressed that the network could no longer depend solely on its traditional broadcast viewership. “If we keep following that playbook, we’re finished,” she cautioned staff, underscoring the pressing need for modernization.
Although Attia apologized to both colleagues and patients, Weiss initially appeared supportive of retaining him. His prior appearances on Weiss’ podcast, “Honestly,” were praised for clarity and insight in navigating complex health topics. CBS News has yet to provide an additional statement following 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.
Managing public confidence and upholding professional ethics
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.
Although Attia has not been linked to any unlawful conduct, public perception significantly shapes scientific outreach and media relations. This situation stands as a reminder of how vital clarity, context, and awareness are, as personal exchanges can carry serious repercussions once they enter the public sphere.
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 surrounding Attia may also prompt broader discussions about how influential figures engage with public figures and controversial personalities, emphasizing the ongoing need for diligence, integrity, and ethical awareness in all professional spheres.
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.
