Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admits affair amid Chinese spy allegations

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to an extramarital affair, responding to reports that his partner was a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. The disclosure comes two days after the Financial Times published details of the alleged relationship and its national security implications.

Huang sent an internal message to employees on Sunday. The note, obtained by the Financial Times, contained a direct apology to his family and the company’s workforce. "I owe my family and all of you an apology," Huang wrote. "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."

The affair was revealed in the context of US intelligence concerns about foreign influence. According to the Financial Times, American officials believe Huang was romantically involved with a Chinese woman recruited by the Ministry of State Security, China’s intelligence agency. Sources familiar with the matter said US officials wrote a memo this year stating that Huang had been involved with Alice Huang. Alice Huang is an executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based customer of the chipmaker.

Nvidia’s board has moved to address the situation. In a statement, the company announced it would launch an independent investigation. The board cited "recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort" as the reason for the probe.

Huang stated he would cooperate fully with the investigation. "My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust," he said in the employee message. "I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to Nvidia and will work to earn back your confidence."

The incident raises questions about Huang’s security exposure. Under his leadership, Nvidia became the first corporation to reach a $5 trillion valuation driven by demand for AI computing. The company’s status makes the potential for foreign intelligence access a matter of both corporate and national concern.

The independent investigation is scheduled to proceed following the board’s announcement. Huang will continue his role as CEO while the probe takes place.