Austin Longevity Doctor Peter Attia Resigns from CBS News

Attia stepped down after emails with Jeffrey Epstein surfaced in newly released Justice Department records.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Austin-based longevity doctor and health influencer Dr. Peter Attia has resigned from his role as a CBS News contributor after emails between him and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were found in newly released Justice Department records. Attia said the emails were "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible" but maintained his relationship with Epstein was professional and limited to scientific networking and fundraising efforts.

Why it matters

Attia's resignation adds to the growing professional consequences following the release of the Epstein documents, which have implicated a number of high-profile figures. As a prominent Austin-based health expert, Attia's association with Epstein has raised concerns about his judgment and credibility.

The details

The emails between Attia and Epstein stretch across the mid-2010s, after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor but before his 2019 federal sex-trafficking arrest. The documents include discussions about scientific research, fundraising, and longevity medicine, as well as more casual exchanges that have drawn public criticism. Attia has said he regrets the communications and had no knowledge of Epstein's sexual abuse or exploitation.

  • Attia stepped down from his role as a CBS News contributor on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The emails between Attia and Epstein were found in newly released Justice Department records.

The players

Peter Attia

An Austin-based longevity doctor and health influencer who recently resigned from his role as a CBS News contributor after emails between him and Jeffrey Epstein surfaced.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

CBS News

A major American television news organization that had recently hired Attia as a contributor before his resignation.

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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 Peter Attia (American-Statesman)

“I regret the communications and call some of the emails embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible.”

— Peter Attia (Public apology)

The takeaway

Attia's resignation highlights the ongoing fallout from the release of the Epstein documents, which have tarnished the reputations of numerous high-profile individuals. As a prominent health expert, Attia's association with Epstein has raised concerns about his judgment and credibility, underscoring the lasting impact of these revelations.