A medical influencer hired by CBS News just weeks ago was forced to resign after his name surfaced in hundreds of pages of newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, exposing embarrassing emails with the convicted sex trafficker that raise serious questions about the media’s vetting process and elite connections to one of history’s most notorious predators.
Story Snapshot
- Dr. Peter Attia resigned from CBS News after his name appeared in Justice Department Epstein files released February 10, 2026
- Attia admitted emails with Epstein were “embarrassing, tasteless and indefensible” but denied attending sex parties or wrongdoing
- CBS hired Attia just one month before the scandal through editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, raising questions about network vetting procedures
- The resignation highlights ongoing fallout from Epstein document releases and scrutiny of elite figures connected to the sex trafficking network
From Health Expert to Scandal
Dr. Peter Attia built his reputation as a longevity expert, podcast host, and author of the book “Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity.” CBS News featured him positively on 60 Minutes in October 2025, showcasing his health expertise to millions of viewers. Just months later, in January 2026, network editor-in-chief Bari Weiss appointed him as a CBS contributor. That rapid rise came crashing down when the Justice Department released a new batch of Epstein files on February 10, 2026, revealing Attia’s communications with the deceased sex offender across hundreds of document pages.
Admission Without Full Transparency
Attia issued a public apology earlier in February acknowledging his correspondence with Epstein contained content he described as “embarrassing, tasteless and indefensible.” However, the medical influencer stopped short of providing details about the nature or content of those emails. He explicitly denied attending any of Epstein’s notorious sex parties or engaging in criminal wrongdoing, framing his association as poor judgment rather than participation in illegal activities. This pattern of limited disclosure mirrors responses from other high-profile figures named in Epstein documents—admitting contact while minimizing its significance.
CBS’s Vetting Failure Exposed
The timeline raises troubling questions about CBS News’s hiring practices under Bari Weiss’s leadership. The network promoted Attia’s expertise through a 60 Minutes profile in October 2025, then elevated him to contributor status in January 2026, apparently without discovering or addressing his Epstein connections. Given that Epstein died in 2019 and his case has been under intense public and legal scrutiny for years, CBS’s failure to identify these associations during vetting represents either negligence or willful blindness. For conservatives frustrated with mainstream media’s credibility problems, this incident exemplifies the establishment’s tendency to elevate influencers without proper due diligence.
Broader Implications for Elite Accountability
Attia’s resignation fits into the larger pattern of Epstein document releases that continue exposing connections between the sex trafficker and prominent figures across politics, business, and media. Previous releases have named individuals like Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew, typically resulting in public statements but rarely criminal consequences. The Justice Department’s ongoing transparency efforts under the Trump administration contrast sharply with previous handling of these sensitive files. For Americans concerned about elite networks operating above accountability standards, these releases demonstrate the importance of continued pressure for full disclosure about who associated with Epstein and why.
The Influencer Economy’s Ethics Problem
This scandal illuminates vulnerabilities in the health and wellness influencer space where personalities build massive followings based on perceived expertise and trustworthiness. Attia’s brand centered on longevity science and personal optimization, positioning him as a guide for improving lives. The revelation of “tasteless” communications with a convicted sex trafficker fundamentally undermines that authority. For the health-conscious audience that trusted his advice, the incident raises legitimate questions about judgment and character. Media outlets like CBS that monetize these influencer relationships bear responsibility for thorough background checks that apparently never happened here.
Sources:
Medical influencer resigns CBS post after name included in multiple Epstein files – Politico
