If you’ve been following the massive release of previously sealed documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, you’ve probably seen headlines about politicians, billionaires, and other big-name figures. But one name is causing a particularly strong reaction online: Dr. Peter Attia, a celebrity doctor and newly announced CBS News contributor who appears in the documents more than 1,700 times.
Attia, a 52-year-old longevity expert and host of the hit podcast The Drive, has been known for his science-backed approach to health and anti-aging. His recent appointment as a CBS contributor was positioned as a move to bring expert insight to national coverage.
But just as his new role was being rolled out, thousands of pages of Epstein-related documents dropped, and his name is one of the most frequently mentioned. The timing couldn’t have been worse, and the nature of the emails only deepened public backlash.
Emails, Mentions, and a Controversial Connection
So why does Attia show up more than 1,700 times in the Epstein records? The volume stems from frequent email correspondence spanning several years, many of which were casual, even joking, and written well after Epstein had been convicted of sex crimes. The newly unsealed records come from a massive release under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires full disclosure of materials tied to investigations into Epstein’s network.
Among the emails was a June 2015 exchange under the subject line “Got a fresh shipment”, in which Attia 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…” While some readers took the comment as tongue-in-cheek, critics quickly labeled it tone-deaf and inappropriate, especially given what Epstein was known for.
Another email from 2016 sparked even stronger reactions. In what appeared to be a joke framed around diet culture, Attia wrote: “P—y is, indeed, low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten, though.” Even in the context of health banter, the crude nature of the comment stirred outrage online and further fueled calls for accountability.
One post racking over 1.2 million views and 9.5K comments on X wrote: “Beyond disgusted that Peter Attia MD, a man who I have followed for years and genuinely looked up to, is in the Epstein files over 1000 times. Here are some top comments:
Who Is Peter Attia and Why the Public Is Paying Attention
For those unfamiliar with Attia, he’s far from a behind-the-scenes doctor. He’s a bestselling author (Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity), a podcast host with a huge following, and a prominent voice in the world of health optimization and aging. His work blends medical expertise with pop-culture appeal, the kind of hybrid figure media outlets love to feature.
That’s why CBS recently named him one of its new contributors, alongside other high-profile names, to bring expert commentary across its news platforms.
The email revelations hit just as Attia was stepping into that higher-profile media role, a moment meant to boost his credibility but now marked by a wave of public questioning. It’s not just about what he said in private emails years ago; it’s about whether those associations matter when someone becomes a trusted face in national media.
Epstein’s files have included references to numerous other public figures in the past, often in the form of flight logs, guest lists, and emails. But the frequency of Attia’s mentions, paired with the personal tone of his messages, has placed his connection under a brighter spotlight.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, which made this document release possible, is designed to shed light on all individuals who had ties (social, professional, or otherwise) with Epstein, in an effort to offer full public accountability.
Public Backlash and What It Could Mean Moving Forward
Reactions across social media have been intense. On X (formerly Twitter), critics accused Attia of “normalizing” Epstein’s behavior through jokes and friendly banter. Others questioned why CBS would bring on a contributor without thoroughly vetting their background.
Supporters of Attia argue that none of the emails suggest misconduct, and that friendly correspondence alone doesn’t imply endorsement of Epstein’s crimes. But for many, the mere fact that Attia maintained a relationship with Epstein, long after his criminal record was known, is enough to raise concern.
The backlash has also opened up larger conversations about how institutions handle reputational risks, how much due diligence is done before hiring prominent voices, and how quickly a public figure’s credibility can come into question. CBS News has yet to issue any formal comment, and it remains unclear whether the network will take action or if Attia will address the emails publicly.
What do you think?