'I was a checked-out husband': Longevity expert's book reveals crisis
What's the story
Peter Attia, a new CBS News contributor and longevity expert, has come under scrutiny after the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. The documents include emails between Attia and Epstein, who was arrested on federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019. In his book Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, Attia detailed how he stayed in New York while his infant son was hospitalized in San Diego in July 2017.
Family crisis
Attia's family medical emergency
Attia described receiving a call from his wife, Jill, on July 11, 2017. She informed him that their son had suddenly stopped breathing and had no heartbeat until she resuscitated him with CPR. Despite this emergency, Attia stayed in New York for "important work" and didn't return to San Diego until the following Friday. He later expressed guilt over his decision in his book, calling himself a "blind, selfish, checked-out husband and father."
Controversial meeting
Meeting with Epstein
The documents also reveal that on July 12, 2017, Attia was arranging to meet Epstein the next morning. In an email exchange, Epstein wrote: "Can you do before 10am tomrow [sic]." To which Attia replied: "Sure. I can come earlier, also, if you have a hard stop at 10. Let me know." It remains unclear if this meeting took place or what transpired during it.
Email exchanges
Friendly exchanges between Attia and Epstein
The released documents also include other friendly exchanges between Attia and Epstein. In a 2015 note, Attia wrote to Epstein: "The biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can't tell a soul..." In another email in 2016, he said: "I go into JE withdrawal when I don't see him." These revelations have drawn attention to Attia's relationship with the convicted sex offender.
Apology issued
Apology and potential termination from CBS News
On Monday, Attia apologized for his conversations with Epstein, saying he was "ashamed." CBS News is expected to sever ties with him over this controversy, The Wrap reported on Monday, citing a confidential source. The documents were released by the US Department of Justice, shedding light on Epstein's activities and associations.