Peter Attia, an influencer in the anti-aging space, publicly acknowledged on Monday that his correspondence with the late Jeffrey Epstein was “tasteless and indefensible.” This admission comes just days after CBS News announced his new role as a contributor, and reports suggest the network may terminate him over the revelations.
Attia, 52, expressed his regret in a statement after a series of emails between him and Epstein surfaced as part of recently released files. One particularly awkward exchange included a comment about “py is indeed low carb.”
“I apologize for putting myself in a position where my emails—some of which are embarrassing and unacceptable—became public,” Attia said. “I recognize my responsibility and the accompanying humiliation.”
With a following of 1.7 million on Instagram, Attia emphasized that his relationship with Epstein had nothing to do with any illicit activities, asserting he wasn’t involved in any criminal conduct.
“I have never been on his plane, been to his island, or attended any of his parties,” he stated.
He also sought to clarify the content of various emails, especially one from 2015 that referred to Epstein’s lavish lifestyle. Attia explained that, at that time, he had limited interactions with high-profile individuals, and Epstein’s extravagant way of life was a shock to him.
“The comment that his life was a mess has been misinterpreted. I was merely referencing the expected discretion in our social circles, not admitting wrongdoing,” he added.
Attia has faced criticism not just for his emails but also for questionable medical guidance he provided during their friendship, including a troubling joke about dietary advice sent in 2016.
He recounted how he met Epstein in 2014 while fundraising for scientific research and acknowledged meeting him several times through 2019. Attia admitted to asking about Epstein’s 2008 conviction, which he later realized was grossly understated.
“I was naive; I misjudged the social acceptance he seemed to have among respected figures. I understand now that was a serious mistake,” he explained. “I have never witnessed any illegal activities or seen anyone underage in his presence.”
Attia made it clear that his lengthy statement was not meant to excuse his past behavior.
“I’m not asking for anyone to overlook my emails; they are indeed unattractive,” he stated.
“Today, I would never have engaged with Epstein. However much I’ve matured during the last decade, those emails from that time will remain,” he concluded.
Attia was introduced as a new contributor for CBS News on January 27, just three days before the files detailing his emails became public. The network, currently undergoing significant changes under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, is expected to sever ties with him.
The outcome of Attia’s position at CBS News is still unclear, and the network has not responded to multiple requests for comments.
