Celebrity doctor Peter Attia steps down from CBS over Epstein links

February 24, 2026

Celebrity health influencer Dr. Peter Attia has resigned from his newly appointed position as a CBS News contributor following the release of Department of Justice documents revealing his email correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The published exchanges included inappropriate remarks about women and messages expressing how much Attia missed Epstein, sparking backlash from his followers. While Attia has issued multiple apologies and emphasized he had no knowledge of or involvement in Epstein's crimes, he chose to step down to prevent becoming a distraction for the network.

Who is affected

Dr. Peter Attia (resigned contributor)
CBS News (losing a newly appointed contributor)
Bari Weiss (CBS News editor-in-chief who appointed Attia)
Attia's fans and followers (expressing anger over the revelations)
CBS News viewers and the public consuming its content

What action is being taken

Peter Attia is stepping down from his CBS News contributor role
Attia is issuing apologies and public statements defending himself on social media

Why it matters

This situation matters because it affects the credibility and public perception of CBS News during a critical restructuring period under new ownership. The controversy highlights ongoing scrutiny of individuals connected to Jeffrey Epstein and raises questions about vetting processes for high-profile media appointments. Additionally, it tests CBS's editorial standards and creates tension given that editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is known for criticizing "cancel culture," yet one of her appointees is stepping down due to public backlash.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC