Medical Expert Condemns CBS News for Retaining Controversial Wellness Influencer
Dr. Jennifer Ashton, the former chief medical correspondent for ABC News, has launched a scathing critique of CBS News and its decision to maintain wellness influencer Dr. Peter Attia as a contributor. This comes in light of Attia's apparent connection to convicted sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein, revealed through recently released Department of Justice files.
A Stand on Moral Principles
In a powerful Instagram post on Friday, Ashton emphasized that her concerns are not politically motivated but rooted in fundamental ethics. "This has nothing to do with politics. This has to do with moral right and wrong," she stated. Ashton argues that medical professionals should be held to a higher moral standard than the general public, questioning Attia's suitability as a source of health information.
Ashton has taken a firm stance by boycotting future appearances on CBS News as long as Attia remains under contract with the network. She expressed deep disappointment, labeling the situation "disappointing at best and horrifying at worst." Her decision underscores a commitment to what she perceives as journalistic and medical integrity.
Scrutiny Over Credentials and Conduct
Attia, a Stanford-trained podcaster and influencer in the wellness industry, was recently appointed as one of CBS News' 19 new contributors. However, Ashton points out that he has not completed a medical residency nor is board-certified, raising questions about his credentials. "Just because someone's famous does not mean they're credentialed or credible," she told her followers, challenging the network's vetting process.
The controversy intensified when the DOJ released emails between Attia and Epstein, which included crude and inappropriate exchanges. In one notable email, Attia wrote, "Pussy is, indeed, low-carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though." Ashton decried this language, arguing it reflects poorly on someone entrusted with public health guidance.
Calls for Accountability and Higher Standards
Ashton highlighted the existence of morality clauses in media contracts, noting that other individuals have faced termination for less severe infractions. She referenced Attia's "1,700 plus emails with a known and convicted pedophile and criminal" as particularly egregious. "I think at this point we've really gone off the rails," she remarked, urging CBS News to uphold ethical benchmarks.
Despite Ashton's outcry, CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has reportedly opposed removing Attia from his role, according to sources cited by the Los Angeles Times. This stance has fueled further criticism, with Ashton asserting that it "reflects badly on me" and fails the American viewing public, who deserve information from credible and moral individuals.
Broader Implications for Media and Medicine
Ashton's boycott and public statements spotlight ongoing debates about ethics in both journalism and healthcare. She emphasized that the issue transcends legality, focusing instead on respectability and trustworthiness. "The question is, really, 'Is that admirable, respectable, and reflective of someone that you want to take information from that potentially could affect your life and your health and well-being?'" she questioned.
Attia has publicly apologized for the emails, describing them as "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible," but has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing. However, Ashton's critique underscores a demand for accountability and higher ethical standards in media representation, particularly for figures influencing public health decisions.
