Nvidia CEO Admits Infidelity Amid Probe Into Ties With Chinese National
Jensen Huang apologized to employees for an extramarital affair with a woman alleged to be a Chinese spy who bought billions in chips.
By Sakura Ellis ·
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admitted to an extramarital relationship with a Chinese national on Sunday, triggering an internal investigation into the company's security protocols. The admission came two weeks after The New York Times reported that Huang was the target of a Chinese intelligence operation. The probe will examine whether the relationship compromised national security or company secrets.
In an email to staff, Huang acknowledged the relationship and apologized for being unfaithful to his wife. "I support the investigation and will cooperate fully," he wrote. He stated that he loves the company and is committed to protecting it while supporting America's national security.
The New York Times alleged that Alice Huang, a Singapore-based businesswoman, was a spy for China. The two Huangs are not related. The report details that Alice Huang's company purchased nearly $5 billion in Nvidia chip technology. Times reporter Ana Swanson described her as having a mysterious and meteoric rise.
According to the reporting, Alice Huang was photographed with Jensen Huang on several occasions. They were seen together at a bar and out to dinner with industry executives after events in Taiwan. The Times suggests her actions may have helped China bypass U.S. export limits on powerful AI chips.
Nvidia's board of directors announced the inquiry in a statement on Sunday. The board said it has no reason to believe that either national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised. However, the inquiry will review all available information regarding the relationship and the company's operations.
Three Republican members of Congress sent a letter to Huang last week. They requested that he brief lawmakers on the relationship and the company's security protocols against foreign adversary espionage. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has not responded to requests for comment from NPR.
Nvidia dominates the global market for AI chips. The company started as a manufacturer of graphics chips, which later became essential for training artificial intelligence. Huang has appeared publicly with President Trump multiple times in recent years. He also said Nvidia is helping fund the construction of a new ballroom at the White House.
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