Peter Attia has departed from his position as a contributor at CBS News following revelations about his connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein. This development comes on the heels of recent media scrutiny, particularly from HBO’s John Oliver, who criticized CBS for keeping Attia after the release of documents detailing his correspondence with Epstein.
Attia was initially appointed as one of CBS News’ 19 new contributors in January by Bari Weiss. However, his ties to Epstein have sparked significant backlash both from the public and within the network. Reports indicate that numerous internal critics called for his dismissal after the Epstein files became public, which revealed a range of emails, some of which dated back to the mid-2010s following Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
In one highlighted email from 2015, Attia remarked on the “outrageous” nature of his friendship with Epstein, while another message from the following year contained a crude joke. Attia defended himself in a post earlier this month, calling the emails “embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible,” asserting that while he met Epstein and visited his home multiple times, he was not involved in any criminal acts.
Despite initial indications that he might retain his role at CBS, the growing dissent among staff likely contributed to his decision to step down. The exit seems to reflect a desire for the network to distance itself from the controversy surrounding Attia and his association with Epstein, a figure who has been the subject of intense scrutiny due to his criminal activities.
Attia’s departure arrives amid a broader discussion on media accountability and the implications of personal relationships on professional roles. As CBS News navigates the fallout, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by networks in managing the reputation of their contributors.