Longevity Doctor Leaves CBS News After Epstein Revelations

Peter Attia cited his ties to the disgraced financier as reason for departure.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia has stepped down from his role as a contributor at CBS News after his extensive communications with the late Jeffrey Epstein came to light. Attia, whose name appeared over 1,700 times in the Epstein files, said he did not want to be a distraction for the network.

Why it matters

Attia's departure highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, as individuals with ties to the disgraced financier face increased scrutiny and pressure to distance themselves from the controversy.

The details

Attia was brought on as a CBS News contributor in January as part of the network's effort to modernize and expand its roster of voices. However, the revelations about his extensive communications with Epstein have now led Attia to step down, stating he did not want to be a distraction for the network.

  • Attia was named a CBS News contributor in January 2026.
  • Attia announced his departure from CBS News on February 23, 2026.

The players

Peter Attia

A longevity doctor who was a contributor for CBS News until revelations about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Bari Weiss

The editor-in-chief of CBS News who brought Attia on as a contributor as part of an effort to modernize and expand the network's voices.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier whose ties to Attia led to increased scrutiny and Attia's departure from CBS News.

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What they’re saying

“I did not want to be a distraction for the network.”

— Peter Attia (Wall Street Journal)

The takeaway

Attia's exit from CBS News underscores the lasting impact of the Epstein scandal, as individuals with any connection to the disgraced financier continue to face intense public scrutiny and pressure to distance themselves, even if their own actions were not directly unethical.