Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admitted to being unfaithful to his wife as the company’s board launched an independent investigation into reports that he was targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation. The New York Times identified Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, as a woman suspected by US intelligence officials of cultivating ties with him.
How Jensen Huang’s relationship triggered Nvidia’s investigation
Nvidia’s board of directors on Sunday announced that a “committee of independent directors” backed by outside counsel will examine the matter. The board said it has “no reason to believe that either national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised.” However, they pledged the inquiry “will examine all available information.” Directors expressed continued “confidence in Jensen and his leadership team,” and the Nvidia CEO will keep leading the company throughout the probe.
The investigation follows a New York Times report that US intelligence officials believed Alice Huang, who is unrelated to Jensen, had been recruited to gather information about the Nvidia CEO. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has denied the espionage allegations.
According to Bloomberg, Alice Huang helped establish Megaspeed, a Singapore-based company that became one of Nvidia’s biggest customers. The New York Times reported that the company purchased roughly $4.8 billion in equipment from Nvidia.
Jensen Huang previously characterized his interactions with Alice Huang as business-related, calling them “completely normal,” according to Bloomberg. However, in a Sunday email to employees, he admitted to infidelity without identifying the other person:
“I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did.” He also told employees, “You deserve better from me,” and vowed to cooperate with the probe.
Moreover, the disclosure follows growing pressure from Washington. Three House Republicans requested a closed-door congressional briefing with Huang on November 18, while Senator Elizabeth Warren publicly demanded answers. President Donald Trump also defended Huang, describing him as a “fine person” who had done an “amazing job for our country.”
Jensen’s admission caps a turbulent stretch for Nvidia. Nvidia lost $450 billion in market value in a single trading day last week before recovering 4 percent of those losses on Friday. The board’s investigation now adds further scrutiny as Huang continues leading the AI chip giant.
