Peter Attia departs CBS News after communications with Epstein surface

Wellness and anti-aging doctor Peter Attia is leaving CBS News after communications he had with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were brought to light, The Hill confirmed on Monday.

Attia, who built a brand and made a name for himself in media working on longevity medicine, was announced as a contributor for CBS in January along with a slew of others hired by new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.

News of Attia’s departure was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

In a statement to The New York Times, a spokesperson for Attia said his role at CBS News “had not meaningfully begun.”

“As such he stepped back to ensure his involvement didn’t become a distraction from the important work being done at CBS,” the spokesperson said. “He wishes the network and its leadership well and has no further comment at this time.”

A trove of files related to Epstein’s case, which was recently released by the Department of Justice, showed Attia corresponding with Epstein and providing medical advice to him.

In one email, he said Epstein “might literally be one of the — if not the — most interesting people I’ve ever met,” according to the Times.

Attia is one of several prominent people in media, business and politics who have been named in the files and has faced calls to resign from top positions in the wake of their release.

CBS News has separately faced increasing scrutiny from Democrats and media watchdogs over recent changes Weiss has implemented at the broadcaster and that of its parent company Paramount.