Celebrity Doctor Peter Attia Steps Down from CBS Over Epstein Links
Celebrity doctor Peter Attia has resigned from his role as a CBS News contributor following the emergence of emails exchanged between him and the infamous Jeffrey Epstein, as revealed in documents published by the U.S. Department of Justice. This situation has raised eyebrows and prompted significant backlash.
Details Surrounding Peter Attia’s Resignation
– Attia’s correspondence with Epstein included a troubling comment about women’s bodies.
– In response to these revelations, Attia’s spokesperson stated that his CBS News role was newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun. He decided to step back to prevent becoming a distraction from the important work being done at CBS.
Context of the Situation
– Attia has publicly apologized for his messages but maintains he had no involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. He emphasized that simply appearing in the documents does not imply wrongdoing on his part.
– The doctor was one of 19 contributors brought on board by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss in January, a strategic move following the network’s takeover by Paramount.
Fan Reactions and Controversy
– The revelation of Attia’s ties to Epstein has sparked anger among some of his fans. One fan notably wrote about experiencing Epstein withdrawal in regard to Attia and even expressed feelings of missing Epstein directly in an email exchange.
– In a 2016 email, Attia joked with Epstein about female anatomy and sexual acts, further complicating public perception of their relationship.
Epstein’s Criminal Background
– Jeffrey Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor as part of a plea deal after allegations surfaced from the parents of a 14-year-old girl, detailing that he had molested their daughter.
– Epstein’s life ended in 2019 while in custody, where he awaited trial on multiple charges, including sex trafficking.
Attia’s Defense
– Days after the documents came to light, Attia took to social media, sharing a 1,000-word statement to clarify his position.
– He categorically denied being involved in any criminal activity, declaring that he was never on [Epstein’s] plane, never on his island, and never present at any sex parties.
– He insisted that his interactions with Epstein were unrelated to any form of sexual abuse or exploitation.
– Attia noted he visited Epstein’s New York City home seven or eight times between 2014 and 2019, asserting he never witnessed illegal activity or any indication that underage individuals were present.
CBS News Transformation
– Attia was appointed as a contributor to share insights on health and national security, marking a new chapter for CBS under Weiss, known for her criticism of cancel culture.
– CBS recently underwent a takeover by David Ellison, son of tech billionaire Larry Ellison, as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Conclusion
Peter Attia’s resignation from CBS over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding public figures and their associations. As Attia clarifies his role and distance from Epstein’s criminal activities, the fallout continues to influence public perception and the landscape of CBS News.