In a swift move, CBS News has parted ways with health and wellness influencer Peter Attia just weeks after bringing him on as a contributor. The decision comes in the wake of Attia's connections to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein coming to light.
What this really means is that CBS is distancing itself from the fallout surrounding Attia's involvement with Epstein, which has sparked widespread public outrage. The network clearly sees his continued presence as a liability that could tarnish its reputation and credibility.
Epstein Files Reveal Questionable Ties
The controversy began when Attia's name appeared more than 1,700 times in the recently released Epstein files, a trove of documents detailing the disgraced billionaire's communications and relationships. The files contained lewd and personal messages exchanged between Attia and Epstein, raising serious questions about the nature of their association.
Attia has since resigned from his CBS News role, acknowledging that some of the emails were "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible." However, he maintained that he was not involved in any criminal activity with Epstein.
The Bigger Picture: Reputational Risks
The bigger picture here is that CBS News, under the leadership of Bari Weiss, is clearly taking a zero-tolerance approach to any associations with figures linked to the Epstein scandal. This sends a strong message that the network is committed to upholding its journalistic integrity and maintaining the trust of its audience.
As Deadline reports, Attia's departure also highlights the reputational risks that can arise when media organizations bring on controversial figures, even those with seemingly impressive credentials. In the age of heightened scrutiny and social media, such associations can quickly become a liability that outweighs any potential benefits.
The decision to sever ties with Attia is a prudent move by CBS News, as it seeks to navigate the treacherous waters of the post-Epstein era and maintain its standing as a credible, trustworthy news source. The network's swift action in this case sends a clear signal that it will not tolerate any connections to the disgraced financier, no matter how tangential they may be.