Health Guru Peter Attia Steps Down After Epstein Correspondence Revealed

Peter Attia, a physician and health podcaster, has stepped down from his role at CBS News after correspondence between him and Jeffrey Epstein became public, according to The Independent.¹

Attia apologized for the correspondence and said he was “ashamed” of his behavior, but made clear he was not involved in any criminal activity, The Independent reported.¹ The nature and content of the emails were not specified in available reports.¹

The physician had been brought to CBS by Bari Weiss, a journalist and former New York Times opinion editor who founded The Free Press media outlet, according to The Independent.¹

Attia’s Medical Career and Media Presence

Attia is a physician who focuses on longevity medicine and hosts a podcast centered on health optimization and lifespan extension. He trained at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Stanford University Medical Center before moving into private practice and media work. His podcast has featured interviews with researchers, physicians, and scientists discussing topics ranging from cardiovascular health to metabolic disease.

The exact nature of Attia’s role at CBS News and when he joined the network were not detailed in The Independent’s report.¹ CBS News produces health-related segments across its news programming, including on “CBS Mornings” and evening news broadcasts.

Weiss’s Career and Media Ventures

Weiss left The New York Times in 2020 after serving as an opinion editor and writer. She cited concerns about the publication’s internal culture in her departure. Following her exit, she launched The Free Press as an independent media venture that publishes newsletters, investigative reporting, and commentary.¹

Her role in facilitating Attia’s position at CBS was noted in The Independent’s reporting, though no statement from Weiss regarding Attia’s departure was included in available reports.¹

Timing and Disclosure

The timing of when Attia’s emails with Epstein were sent remains unclear from available reporting.¹ The disclosure comes as multiple prominent figures have resigned after their names appeared in documents related to Epstein that have been made public in recent weeks.

Epstein was convicted in 2008 on state charges of soliciting a minor. He died in federal custody in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in December 2021 of sex trafficking and conspiracy charges and is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence.

The Justice Department released documents in February 2025 following passage of the Epstein Transparency Act, though the release has faced criticism from members of Congress who argue significant portions remain redacted or withheld.

References

1. The Independent — “Health guru brought to CBS by Bari Weiss steps down after correspondence with Epstein revealed, reports say”