TV Doctor Jen Ashton Takes Stand Against CBS Over Peter Attia's Epstein Association
In a significant development within broadcast media, prominent television physician Dr. Jen Ashton has publicly declared she will refuse to appear on CBS as long as the network continues to employ anti-aging influencer and health podcaster Peter Attia. This firm stance comes in response to Attia's documented past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which has recently resurfaced through court documents.
"I Will Not Appear on CBS While Peter Attia Is Still Under Contract"
Dr. Ashton made her position unequivocally clear in a video statement posted on Instagram, where she expressed that Attia's continued presence at CBS reflects poorly on the network and fundamentally undermines public trust. "I will not appear on CBS while Peter Attia is still under contract with them," Ashton stated firmly. "I think it reflects badly on me, and I feel that the American people deserve more."
The former ABC News and Good Morning America medical correspondent emphasized that working for a major television network inherently involves adherence to what she described as a "morality clause"—standards of conduct that extend beyond mere legal compliance. "Working for a major news network involves something called a morality clause," Ashton explained. "It doesn't have to be that you committed a crime. It has to do with your behavior."
Epstein Email Correspondence Sparks Renewed Scrutiny
The controversy centers around court documents released by the U.S. Justice Department on January 30, which revealed extensive friendly correspondence between Peter Attia and Jeffrey Epstein spanning from 2015 to 2018. The emails showed Attia praising Epstein's "outrageous" lifestyle and checking in on the convicted criminal after a 2018 Miami Herald investigation exposed dozens of Epstein's victims.
Ashton pointedly noted the volume of this communication, stating: "I have seen people who have been fired or suspended for less egregious acts than 1,700-plus emails with a known and convicted pedophile and criminal." Epstein, who was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019.
Questioning Credibility in Health Advice
Dr. Ashton raised serious questions about whether Attia's conduct aligns with the ethical standards expected of someone offering medical and health guidance to the public. "Is that admirable, respectable, and reflective of someone you want to take information from that could potentially affect your life, and your health and well-being?" she asked rhetorically. "In my book, the answer is no."
The television doctor also criticized what she described as a growing cultural tendency to conflate celebrity status with genuine expertise. "Just because someone's famous does not mean they're credentialed or credible," Ashton asserted, highlighting concerns about the intersection of influence and responsibility in health media.
Attia's Defense and Context
Peter Attia, a 52-year-old bestselling author and podcaster who promotes longevity-focused health strategies, issued a lengthy statement earlier addressing his appearance in the Epstein files. In his defense, Attia claimed he was initially impressed by Epstein's influential connections and acknowledged that his judgment was "clouded" at the time of their correspondence.
It is important to note that Epstein had already been convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution seven years before he and Attia began their email exchange. This context adds complexity to the ethical questions surrounding professional associations with individuals who have criminal histories.
The standoff between Dr. Ashton and CBS represents a significant moment in media ethics, highlighting ongoing debates about accountability, professional standards, and the responsibility of networks in vetting their on-air talent. As the situation develops, it raises broader questions about how media organizations balance talent relationships with ethical considerations in an increasingly scrutinized public landscape.
