The world of celebrity wellness faced a major shakeup last week when Dr. Peter Attia, a prominent figure in longevity medicine, found himself at the center of a growing controversy. Just days after being named among 19 new contributors to CBS News, previously undisclosed communications between Attia and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came to light, triggering widespread outrage among his followers and raising serious questions about his professional judgment.
The timing could hardly have been more damaging. On Tuesday, CBS News proudly announced its new roster of expert contributors, handpicked by recently appointed editor-in-chief Bari Weiss as part of her mission to reshape the network's public image. The lineup positioned Attia as a leading authority on extending human lifespan. By Friday, however, the Department of Justice released a fresh batch of Epstein's files that included email exchanges revealing a disturbingly casual and vulgar side to the doctor's relationship with the disgraced financier.
Among the most damning excerpts was Attia's crude response to an unspecified message from Epstein. "P*ssy is, indeed, low-carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though." The lewd comment, framed as a tasteless joke about sexual content and his own area of medical expertise, struck many as not just inappropriate but morally reprehensible given Epstein's crimes. The casual tone suggested a familiarity that made supporters deeply uncomfortable.
The backlash was swift and severe. Across social media platforms, longtime supporters expressed feelings of betrayal and disgust. On Reddit, one devoted follower who credited Attia's work with teaching them valuable health insights wrote, "morally bankrupt, social climbing, Egomaniac." The sentiment reflected a broader sense that the doctor's carefully cultivated image as a trustworthy health authority had been shattered beyond repair.
Instagram became another battleground for angry fans. One commenter, identifying as an influencer and retired nurse, simply wrote, "YOU HAVE A DAUGHTER," highlighting the perceived hypocrisy of a father maintaining such a relationship with a known predator of young women. Another former follower demanded, "Wish I could get back every penny I spent on your book and recommending you to people. You make me sick." The comments section of Attia's most recent posts became flooded with similar expressions of disappointment and calls for accountability.
Dr. Attia's rise to prominence has been built on his reputation as an elite longevity specialist. His practice, Early Medical, operates as an exclusive boutique service with a substantial waitlist. In a 2025 interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," he revealed that he treats fewer than 75 patients, charging fees that he described as "closer to $100,000 than $500,000." This ultra-high-end model positioned him as a doctor to the wealthy and influential, while his media appearances broadened his reach to the general public.
His portfolio of public engagements reads like a who's who of modern media platforms. Attia has been a recurring guest on "The Joe Rogan Experience," appeared on CNN International to discuss health technology with Becky Anderson, and even sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a conversation about "living better for longer." That particular interview, which was publicly available on YouTube earlier this week, has since been removed from public view. He also previously spoke with Bari Weiss on her podcast "Honestly," where she praised him for his ability to "consistently cuts through all that noise" in the crowded wellness industry.
The revelation of his Epstein correspondence has put CBS News in a difficult position. According to reports from The Guardian, the network has already pulled a planned rebroadcast of Attia's October "60 Minutes" segment that was scheduled to air during Super Bowl weekend. TheWrap has reported that CBS is actively considering terminating Attia's contributor agreement altogether. Neither Attia nor CBS News representatives responded to requests for comment from CNN.
In an attempt to control the damage, Attia posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. He categorically denied any involvement in criminal activities, stating, "I was not involved in any criminal activity," and emphasizing that he had "nothing to do with (Epstein's) sexual abuse or exploitation of anyone." He also claimed he was never "present at any sex parties" and "never witnessed illegal behavior and never saw anyone who appeared underage in his presence."
While Attia has not been accused of any illegal acts, the controversy centers on his judgment and character. The emails suggest a level of comfort and familiarity with Epstein that many find indefensible, regardless of whether any laws were broken. For a public figure whose brand is built on trust, credibility, and moral authority in health matters, the damage may be irreparable.
The scandal raises broader questions about the vetting process for media contributors and the responsibility of public figures to maintain ethical boundaries. In an era where wellness influencers command massive audiences and charge premium prices for their expertise, their personal associations and moral compass become part of their professional offering. Attia's case demonstrates how quickly that offering can be devalued when troubling aspects of one's past emerge.
As of now, Attia's future with CBS News remains uncertain. The network's swift action in pulling content suggests they are taking the matter seriously, though no final decision has been announced. For his part, Attia continues to maintain his innocence of any wrongdoing beyond poor judgment in correspondence. However, for many of his former fans, that distinction may not be enough to restore their faith in a doctor they once saw as a beacon of integrity in an often-confusing health landscape.
The longevity medicine community now faces its own reckoning. Attia's prominence had helped bring attention to legitimate scientific research on extending healthspan, but his association with Epstein threatens to tarnish the entire field. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of reputation in the digital age and the lasting consequences of our associations, no matter how private they may seem at the time.