Longevity Expert Peter Attia Faces CBS Exit After Epstein Emails Surface

New CBS Contributor Under Fire

Dr. Peter Attia, the popular longevity expert and podcaster who was recently hired as a CBS News contributor, is facing intense scrutiny after his name appeared hundreds of times in the latest Justice Department release of Jeffrey Epstein files, revealing extensive communications with the convicted sex offender . CBS News is expected to cut ties with Attia over the revelations , according to reports citing sources familiar with the network's thinking.

Attia has apologized for what he calls "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible" emails he exchanged with Epstein , though he has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing . The timing is particularly awkward for CBS, as Attia was recently named as one of 19 new contributors as part of editor-in-chief Bari Weiss's strategy to reshape the network .

Disturbing Email Exchanges

The released documents reveal a troubling pattern of communication between Attia and Epstein spanning several years. In a January 2016 email to Epstein's assistant, Attia wrote, "I go into JE withdrawal when I don't see him" . Even more concerning, in June 2015, Attia gushed to Epstein that the "worst" part about being his friend is that "the life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can't tell a soul" .

Perhaps most damaging was a 2016 message where Attia wrote to Epstein, "P***y is, indeed, low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though" . Another exchange from 2015 involved Attia sending a message with the subject line "Got a fresh shipment," to which Epstein replied "Me too" with a redacted photo .

Attia's Defense and Apology

Attia claims he met with Epstein "on approximately seven or eight occasions at his New York City home" between 2014 and 2019 "regarding research studies and to meet others" . He maintains, "I never witnessed illegal behavior and never saw anyone who appeared underage in his presence" .

Regarding the controversial "fresh shipment" email, Attia claimed it referred to metformin medication he had received from the pharmacy, while Epstein's response included "a photograph of an adult woman" . He acknowledged: "I responded with crude, tasteless banter. Reading that exchange now is very embarrassing, and I will not defend it. I'm ashamed of myself for everything about this" .

Career and Reputation at Stake

The controversy threatens to derail Attia's prominent career as a longevity researcher and health influencer. He is the founder of Outlive, an app that translates longevity science into personalized daily practice, host of "The Peter Attia Drive" podcast, and author of "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" . His work has attracted a massive following among those interested in extending healthy lifespan.

The scandal highlights the ongoing fallout from Epstein's network of high-profile connections. Attia admitted he asked Epstein about his 2008 conviction, and Epstein "characterized it as prostitution-related charges," but "in 2018, I came to learn this was grossly minimized" . The timing suggests Attia continued his relationship with Epstein even after becoming aware of the severity of the charges, raising questions about judgment that could permanently damage his credibility in the health and wellness space.