Peter Attia Resigns from David Protein and CBS Following Epstein Association Controversy
In a significant development, celebrity doctor Peter Attia has stepped down from his position as Chief Science Officer at David Protein, just one day after issuing a public apology for his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement was made by David Protein CEO Peter Rahal, who emphasized the company's continued focus on customer service amidst the controversy.
Epstein Files Connection and Immediate Fallout
The resignation comes as Attia's name appeared more than 1,700 times in the latest release of the Epstein Files, documents related to the financier's criminal activities. Attia will also be departing from CBS, where he had recently joined as a contributor, marking a swift professional fallout from the revelations.
In his detailed statement, Attia acknowledged maintaining contact with Epstein long after his conviction but vehemently denied any involvement in criminal activities. He clarified that he never visited Epstein's private island and was never aboard Epstein's infamous private plane.
Embarrassing Email Exchanges Revealed
The documents revealed particularly embarrassing email exchanges between Attia and Epstein. In one 2015 correspondence, Attia informed Epstein about receiving a fresh shipment, attaching a photo of metformin bottles. Epstein responded with "me too" alongside a photo of a woman, to which Attia replied that female genitalia was "low-carb."
Attia described these exchanges as "very embarrassing" in his statement, expressing deep shame for his participation. He explained that at the time, he viewed the communication as juvenile banter rather than references to anything sinister or harmful.
Context and Rationalization of Association
The celebrity doctor provided context for his initial association with Epstein, describing how early in his career, he had limited exposure to prominent individuals. Epstein's extravagant lifestyle—including living in Manhattan's largest home, owning a Boeing 727, and hosting exclusive parties with powerful business and political leaders—seemed novel and intriguing to him at the time.
Attia emphasized that everything about Epstein appeared excessive and exclusive, which initially attracted his attention. However, he made no attempt to defend his actions, stating clearly that there is no justification for his continued association with the convicted sex offender or his participation in crude email exchanges.
Corporate Response and Moving Forward
David Protein CEO Peter Rahal's announcement of Attia's resignation was brief but pointed, highlighting the company's commitment to maintaining customer focus despite the leadership change. The swift action suggests organizations are taking associations with controversial figures more seriously than ever before.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about professional associations and digital communication, particularly for high-profile individuals in the health and wellness industry. As companies like David Protein navigate such controversies, the emphasis remains on maintaining public trust and corporate integrity.
