CBS Expected to Fire Wellness Expert Peter Attia Over Epstein File Ties

CBS News is expected to fire its new 'wellness expert' Peter Attia after he appeared 1,741 times in the Epstein files. The disgraced billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was jailed in 2008 for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute, exchanged hundreds of emails with Attia, many after Epstein's conviction. These emails reveal a relationship that went far beyond mere flattery, with Attia calling Epstein his 'friend' in multiple messages. Some of the communications were crude or overtly sexual, though they did not reference criminal acts directly. One email sent to Epstein read, '[Female genitalia] is, indeed, low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten, though.'

Attia issued a lengthy public statement over the weekend, defending himself and clarifying that he was never on Epstein's plane, never on his island, and never present at any sex parties. He apologized for the 'embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible' emails now in the public eye, acknowledging the humiliation that comes with them. However, the emails paint a different picture, showing a man who wanted to visit Epstein's private island of Little Saint James. In an April 2016 email exchange, Attia expressed a desire to visit, with Epstein noting that the island was different from Grand Cayman because 'there are other people there.' Attia replied, 'I need to visit some time...'

The emails also reveal Attia's awareness of the risks his friendship with Epstein posed to his reputation. In a 2015 message, he wrote, 'You [know] the biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can't tell a soul.' He insisted this was not due to any awareness of Epstein's wrongdoing, but rather because of the discretion expected in Epstein's social circles. The subject line of another email, 'Got a fresh shipment,' was accompanied by a redacted photo. Attia later claimed the shipment was bottles of metformin, a diabetes medication, though the email exchange was described as 'crude, tasteless banter.'

Another troubling episode in Attia's relationship with Epstein was when his son was hospitalized in 2017. In his book *Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity*, Attia described the moment his wife called to say their son had stopped breathing. He wrote that he responded with emotional detachment, telling her to 'call me when you get to hospital son I can talk to the doctors in the ICU.' His wife pleaded with him to return home, but he stayed in New York, claiming to be busy with 'important work.' Emails from July 12, 2017, revealed that the same day his son was in the hospital, Attia had a meeting with Epstein. In his book, Attia used the event to show how 'out of control' he was at the time, but omitted any mention of Epstein.

Attia was hired only last week as a contributor to CBS News, along with 18 others handpicked by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. The hiring is part of Weiss' controversial overhaul of the network. Attia, founder of Outlive and a popular influencer with 1.7 million Instagram followers, shares his views on longevity and wellness. He also exchanged emails with Epstein's staff, including assistant Lesley Groff, to whom he wrote, 'I go into JE withdrawal when I don't see him.' The email exchange appeared to be related to Attia crashing at one of Epstein's properties, where he asked, 'What can I do before I leave to ease the clean up? Strip sheets? Take the trash out?'

In his statement, Attia claimed he met Epstein in 2014 through a 'prominent female healthcare leader' while raising funds for scientific research. He admitted visiting Epstein's New York City apartment seven or eight times to discuss research studies and meet scientists. He also had dinner with Epstein in 2015 with 'a number of guests including prominent heads of state.' Attia said he never treated Epstein but gave him medical recommendations. He claimed Epstein misled him about his 2008 conviction, which he characterized as 'prostitution-related charges.' Attia said he learned the truth from a 2018 Miami Herald article, which 'repulsed' and 'nauseated' him. He later asked Epstein about the article's 'fallout' and admitted his intent to convince Epstein to pay for psychological treatment for his victims was another blunder.

Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges, was the subject of a recent federal court order to release all documents related to him. The latest batch of emails and photos, including images of Prince Andrew with Epstein, were released in August. While the files do not show criminal wrongdoing by those named or pictured, they reveal Epstein's efforts to cultivate relationships with the powerful. Many celebrities and public figures have since cut ties with Epstein, though some remained connected for years. The Epstein files continue to expose a web of influence, connections, and controversies that have shaped public discourse for years.