Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang confirmed an affair with a Chinese businesswoman in a message to employees on Sunday as the company’s board launched an independent investigation.
The 63-year-old executive addressed the situation directly in a memo to staff, stating that he had been unfaithful to his wife and accepting responsibility for the fallout.
I take full responsibility for what I did and the hurt I caused, and I accept the criticism that comes with it.
Jensen Huang
In his message to staff, the Nvidia leader expressed remorse to his wife and children, noting that his actions damaged the life they built together and that no excuse exists for his behavior.
He apologized to colleagues he has worked alongside for decades, as well as to board members, partners, and shareholders around the world, stating that they deserve better from him.
He acknowledged that leading the company is the privilege of his life and that his responsibility is to serve and remain worthy of trust, admitting that he fell short of that duty and is fully committed to earning back confidence. He added that his family bears no responsibility for his choices and asked for privacy.
US intelligence agencies previously discovered that Alice Huang, a Singapore-based Chinese business executive, had developed a close relationship with the Nvidia chief. Investigators determined she was recruited to spy for Beijing and fed information directly to the Chinese government.
In late October, Huang told Bloomberg that his interactions with Alice Huang were related to Megaspeed and were completely normal and not unusual
. Following those media reports, top Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives called on Huang to brief Congress this month.
The Nvidia board of directors announced it opened an independent probe in light of recent reporting.
In its public statement, the board expressed backing for the chief executive.
The Board has confidence in Jensen and his leadership team and will provide further updates as appropriate,
Nvidia Board of Directors
Regarding the national security concerns raised in news reports, NVIDIA’s Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation. I support the investigation and will cooperate fully.
Jensen Huang
Huang also emphasized his dedication to the United States and asked for privacy for his family, noting that his relatives bear no responsibility for his personal actions. He stated that he loves his country and company, remains committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting American national security, and feels proud and grateful to be an American.
Earlier coverage: Nvidia Probes Whether Jensen Huang Was Target of Foreign Intelligence Effort