NEW YORK — The professional fallout for those associated with the late Jeffrey Epstein has claimed its latest high-profile figure. On Monday, February 23, 2026, Dr. Peter Attia, the bestselling author of Outlive and a prominent voice in longevity medicine, officially stepped down from his role as a CBS News contributor. The resignation marks a stunning reversal for Attia, who was only announced as part of the network’s "star-studded" new contributor lineup—curated by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss—less than a month ago.
The "Newly Established" Role Ends In a statement released through a spokesperson, Attia clarified that his role at CBS had "newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun." The spokesperson added that Attia chose to step back to ensure his personal involvement did not become a "distraction" from the network's journalistic work. While CBS News had initially remained silent and appeared to be standing by the doctor despite internal staff frustration, the sheer volume of the DOJ document release eventually made the partnership untenable.
Inside the Epstein Files The catalyst for the resignation was the January 30, 2026, release of nearly 3.5 million pages of evidence by the U.S. Department of Justice. Dr. Attia's name appeared in the database over 1,700 times. The correspondence, largely from the mid-2010s, revealed a chummy and often lewd relationship with Epstein—long after Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex crimes involving a minor.
Among the most damaging revelations were:
The "JE Withdrawal" Comment: In a 2016 email to Epstein's assistant, Attia wrote that he goes into "JE withdrawal" when he does not see the financier.
Graphic Exchanges: A 2016 email showed Attia making crude jokes about female anatomy to Epstein, phrased as "low-carb" banter.
The "Outrageous" Lifestyle: In a 2015 thread, Attia admitted to Epstein, "The biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can’t tell a soul."
Attia’s Defense and Apology On February 2, 2026, Attia posted a lengthy apology on X, which he also shared with his patients and medical team. He admitted the emails were "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible" but maintained that he was never involved in any criminal activity. He denied ever visiting Epstein’s private island, flying on the "Lolita Express" jet, or attending any of Epstein’s infamous parties. Attia claimed he was "incredibly naïve" and believed Epstein's characterization of his 2008 conviction as a minor solicitation issue.
Despite his defense, the backlash has been swift. Beyond his CBS exit, Attia has also stepped down as the Chief Science Officer for the protein bar company David. As the "Epstein Files Transparency Law" continues to force more names into the public eye, Attia joins a growing list of public figures whose legacies are being re-examined through the lens of their ties to the disgraced financier.
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