Peter Attia is out at CBS News less than one month after being hired as a contributor, following the release of emails he reportedly exchanged with Jeffrey Epstein, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Attia was brought on by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss late last month. Just days after his hiring was announced, the U.S. Department of Justice released a trove of unsealed documents related to Epstein. The materials included references to high-profile figures such as Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Bill Gates, and Prince Andrew.
Unsealed Emails Reveal Crude Exchanges
Among the documents were email exchanges between Epstein and individuals in his orbit, including Attia. While the emails did not implicate Attia in any criminal activity, they included crude and inappropriate remarks that drew scrutiny.
In one message, Attia wrote, “I go into JE withdrawal when I don’t see him.” In another, he commented on Epstein’s lifestyle, writing that it was “so outrageous” he could not share it with anyone. A third email, with the subject line “confirmed,” included a sexually explicit joke.
Following the document release, a scheduled segment featuring Attia on 60 Minutes was pulled from airing. At the time, CBS did not publicly comment on his status. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Attia informed the network he was resigning effective immediately, and staff were notified in a memo dated Feb. 23.
Attia Denies Wrongdoing; UK Investigations Ongoing
Attia has denied any criminal involvement related to Epstein. In a Feb. 2 statement posted to X, he said he was not involved in any illegal activity, was never on Epstein’s plane or island, and had no connection to sexual abuse or exploitation. He acknowledged engaging in what he described as “crude, tasteless banter” and apologized for putting himself in a position where the emails became public.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, authorities have arrested Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson in connection with separate investigations into whether confidential or private information was shared in communications with Epstein. The reported arrests are not related to Epstein’s alleged sex crimes.
The Metropolitan Police said in a Feb. 20 statement that it is assessing information regarding whether London airports may have been used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Officials added they are contacting former and current protection officers who worked with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to determine whether any relevant information can assist ongoing reviews.
