Dr. Peter Attia Addresses Controversial Email Exchange with Jeffrey Epstein
Celebrity doctor and prominent anti-aging physician Peter Attia, who contributes to CBS News, has publicly addressed the crude email he sent to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The email was released in the latest batch of documents related to Epstein's case.
Admission of Embarrassing Exchange
The Canadian-American author and researcher did not deny sending the crude email but clarified that he was not involved in any criminal activity. Attia emphasized he was never on Epstein's private plane or visited the infamous private island associated with Epstein's crimes. He stated he was never present at any sex parties but expressed deep embarrassment over the tasteless and indefensible email he wrote to Epstein.
Details of the Email Exchange
Attia revealed the email was sent to Epstein in June 2015, after Epstein's conviction. The subject line read 'Got a fresh shipment' and contained a photograph of bottles of metformin, a medication Attia had just received from the pharmacy for his personal use. Epstein replied with 'me too' and attached a photograph of an adult woman. Attia responded with what he now describes as crude and tasteless banter.
'Reading that exchange now is very embarrassing, and I will not defend it. I'm ashamed of myself for everything about this. At the time, I understood this exchange as juvenile, not a reference to anything dark or harmful,' Attia explained.
Context of the Relationship
Attia described how at that point in his career, he had limited exposure to prominent individuals, making Epstein's access seem novel. 'Everything about him seemed excessive and exclusive, including the fact that he lived in the largest home in all of Manhattan, owned a Boeing 727, and hosted parties with the most powerful and prominent leaders in business and politics. I treated that access as something to be quiet about rather than discussed freely with others,' he stated.
Clarification on Professional Relationship
Attia clarified he was never Epstein's personal physician but occasionally answered general medical questions and recommended other healthcare providers to him. He expressed being repulsed when he learned about the investigation against Epstein in 2018. 'At that point, I told him directly he needed to accept responsibility for what he did,' Attia wrote.
Key Points from Attia's Statement
- Admitted sending crude email to Jeffrey Epstein in 2015
- Denied any criminal involvement or presence at Epstein's properties
- Expressed deep embarrassment and shame over the exchange
- Clarified the email referenced medication, not anything harmful
- Described Epstein's access as novel at that career stage
- Stated he was never Epstein's doctor but answered medical questions
- Expressed repulsion upon learning about Epstein's investigation
