Dr. Peter Attia Steps Down From CBS News Contributor Role
On Monday, Dr. Peter Attia, one of the 19 contributors recently named to CBS News, stepped down from his appointment at the network.
Attia, who joined CBS News in January, became a controversial hire almost instantly after his name appeared in the latest batch of the Jeffrey Epstein files, also released in January. His name appeared in more than 1,700 documents, revealing a close relationship between the two men.
In a statement to The New York Times, a spokesperson for Attia said of his CBS News departure, “Dr. Attia’s contributor role was newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun.” The spokesperson added, “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.”
CBS News has remained silent on Attia’s status at the network since it became known that his name appeared in the Epstein files. His CBS News hiring came as the network’s editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, is making significant changes at the news outlet.
The other 18 recently hired contributors’ expertise spans politics, national security, health, happiness, arts, food, style, and will appear across all of the network’s broadcasts and digital platforms. Attia is the founder of Outlive, a new app that translates longevity science into personalized daily practice, and Early Medical, a medical practice that applies the principles of Medicine 3.0, which aims to head off chronic illnesses before they begin through the use of advanced diagnostic tools.
News of Attia’s resignation comes as CBS News’ revolving door continues to turn, with Anderson Cooper announcing earlier this month that he would be leaving 60 Minutes after a nearly 20-year run.