CBS Health Contributor Peter Attia Resigns Following Epstein Email Disclosure
Dr. Peter Attia, a prominent health and longevity guru recently recruited to CBS News under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, has resigned from his contributor role after correspondence between him and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was made public. The resignation, reported by multiple news outlets including The Hollywood Reporter and NBC News, took effect immediately on Monday, following the release of crude emails as part of a Department of Justice document dump mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Apology and Clarification from Attia
In response to the email disclosure, Attia issued a public apology, expressing shame over his behavior while firmly stating he was not involved in any criminal activities. "I apologize and regret putting myself in a position where emails, some of them embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible, are now public, and that is on me. I accept that reality and the humiliation that comes with it," Attia said in a message shared on social media earlier this month. He emphasized that his correspondence with Epstein, which continued years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor, was inappropriate but not unlawful.
Details of the Email Exchange and CBS Response
The released emails included one from February 2016 in which Attia wrote to Epstein, "P**** is, indeed, low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though." This correspondence surfaced just days after Attia was announced as one of 19 new CBS News contributors during a company meeting on January 27, a hiring move spearheaded by Bari Weiss. According to reports, CBS News staff were informed of Attia's decision to step down by the network's booking department on Monday. A spokesman for Attia noted that his contributor role was newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun, and he stepped back to avoid becoming a distraction from CBS's important work.
Broader Context and Weiss's Leadership
Bari Weiss, who took over as editor-in-chief of CBS News, has faced scrutiny for various editorial decisions, including pulling a 60 Minutes segment about Venezuelan migrants sent to an El Salvadoran prison accused of inhumane conditions. The segment eventually aired nearly a month later. Attia's resignation adds to the challenges under her leadership, highlighting the network's swift response to potential controversies. The Independent has reached out to both CBS News and Attia for further comment, but no additional statements have been provided at this time.
This incident underscores the ongoing fallout from the Epstein case, with public figures facing repercussions for past associations. Attia's departure from CBS News marks a significant turn in his career, as he was known for his social media influence on health and longevity topics prior to this scandal.
