Nvidia’s board has launched an independent investigation into chief executive and co-founder Jensen Huang after he admitted having an affair with a woman whom US officials reportedly believe was working for Chinese intelligence.
The woman, Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, is a Chinese executive linked to Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed. She is not related to the 63-year-old Taiwanese-born Nvidia chief.
The New York Times reported late last month that US intelligence officials had concluded that Alice Huang was funnelling information to Beijing.
Huang apologises to family and employees
In a message to Nvidia employees released on Sunday, Jensen Huang acknowledged the affair and apologised to his family and company staff.
‘I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry,’ he said.
Huang is a prominent figure in the artificial intelligence revolution and an informal adviser to US President Donald Trump.
Trump has repeatedly opposed regulating the AI industry, arguing against measures that could allow China to gain an advantage in the global AI race.
According to the Times, Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang could have given her insights into Trump’s thinking on AI.
The issue is also expected to feature in Trump’s planned talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit in China later this month.
Nvidia launches independent investigation
In a statement, Nvidia said its board had launched an independent investigation ‘in light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort’.
‘While the Board has no reason to believe that either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised, the Board’s inquiry will examine all available information,’ it said.
Asked about Huang on Sunday, Trump told reporters that he considered the Nvidia chief a fine person but acknowledged that he did not know the full circumstances.
‘I’m sure — I hope everything’s fine. He’s done such an incredible job,’ Trump said.
The Chinese government has dismissed the Times report as ‘groundless speculation’.
China and the United States are competing for technological dominance, with Washington restricting exports of the most advanced semiconductor chips to China.
Nvidia, a global leader in producing chips used to train and run AI models, is among the world’s most valuable companies.
The Times report, citing unnamed sources briefed on the matter, also said Megaspeed was under scrutiny over allegations that it may have facilitated the diversion of Nvidia AI chips to China.
It further reported that Trump had been briefed about intelligence findings concerning Huang’s relationship with the businesswoman roughly a year ago but chose not to act.
Trump said on Sunday that he did not regret his decision.
‘No, I don’t think so. I think — you know, he’s an honorable guy. I think he probably has an excuse for it. You have to hear it,’ he said.
Analyst warns of potential fallout for Nvidia
Technology analyst Dan Ives of investment bank Yorkville Ives described the investigation as ‘a black eye moment’ for Huang.
He predicted that the development would trigger multiple congressional inquiries and ‘create an overhang on the stock for a myriad of reasons’.
Ives said Huang was expected to retain his position in the near term but could face the risk of removal as Nvidia’s CEO depending on the outcome of the board’s investigation.
‘This will add risk to the stock as he is so important to the Nvidia story and strategy globally,’ he said.
‘This will also increase major scrutiny regarding selling chips to China, which remains a key battleground issue in DC.’
