CBS News Contributor Exits After Name Surfaces Over 1,700 Times in Epstein Files

Dr. Peter Attia, a longevity expert, resigned from his new role at CBS News after his extensive ties to Jeffrey Epstein were revealed.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Dr. Peter Attia, a longevity expert who was recently hired as a CBS News contributor, has resigned from his role after his name appeared more than 1,700 times in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files. Attia claimed his involvement with Epstein was limited, but the volume of communications between the two has raised serious questions about the extent of their relationship.

Why it matters

Attia's departure highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, as more details emerge about the convicted sex trafficker's connections to prominent individuals. This case also raises questions about the vetting process used by major media outlets when hiring new contributors.

The details

Attia's name appeared over 1,700 times in the newly released Epstein files, including an email exchange where Attia sent Epstein a photo of medication he had received and engaged in what he called "crude, tasteless banter" with the convicted pedophile. Attia claimed he never visited Epstein's properties or traveled on his private planes, but the volume of communications between the two has cast doubt on the nature of their relationship.

  • On January 27, 2026, CBS News announced Attia as a new contributor.
  • In November 2025, the Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law, requiring the government to release unclassified material related to Epstein's sex trafficking case.
  • On February 25, 2026, Attia's resignation from CBS News was confirmed.

The players

Dr. Peter Attia

A longevity expert who was recently hired as a CBS News contributor, but resigned after his extensive ties to Jeffrey Epstein were revealed.

CBS News

The television news network that hired Attia as a contributor, but later accepted his resignation after the Epstein files were released.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex trafficker whose private communications with Attia were included in the newly released Epstein files.

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What they’re saying

“Dr. Attia's contributor role was newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun. As such, he stepped back to ensure his involvement didn't become a distraction from the important work being done at CBS. He wishes the network and its leadership well and has no further comment at this time.”

— Spokesperson for Dr. Peter Attia (The Hollywood Reporter)

“In June 2015, I sent Epstein an email with the subject line 'Got a fresh shipment.' The email contained a photograph of bottles of metformin, a medication I had just received from the pharmacy for my own use. The subject line referred to the picture of the bottles of medication. He replied with the words 'me too' and attached a photograph of an adult woman. 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.”

— Dr. Peter Attia (X (social media)

What’s next

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the release of unclassified material related to Epstein's sex trafficking case, is expected to lead to the exposure of more high-profile individuals with ties to the convicted pedophile.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and the importance of thorough vetting processes for media outlets when hiring new contributors. It also demonstrates the power of transparency in revealing the connections between prominent individuals and those involved in criminal activities.