Nvidia has launched an independent investigation after CEO Jensen Huang admitted to an extramarital affair with a Chinese businesswoman suspected by U.S. intelligence of being a foreign operative.
The board of the $4.5 trillion chipmaker confirmed the inquiry on November 8, stating it is examining the situation in light of reports that Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence effort.
Jensen Huang Apologizes for Relationship with Megaspeed Executive
The investigation follows reports that the CEO maintained a relationship with Alice Huang, an executive at the Singapore-based data center firm Megaspeed. Megaspeed builds data centers in Southeast Asia and provides compute to the mainland Chinese giant Alibaba.
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.
Jensen Huang, Nvidia CEO
To my colleagues at NVIDIA, including those I have worked alongside for decades, and to our board, partners, and shareholders around the world: you deserve better from me. Leading NVIDIA is the privilege of my life. My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to NVIDIA and will work to earn back your confidence. Huang
While the board has initiated the probe, it stated there is currently no reason to believe that company secrets or U.S. national security were compromised. The board expressed confidence in Huang and his leadership team.
The NVIDIA Board is initiating an independent investigation in light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort. The Board prioritises US national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of Nvidia and its shareholders. 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.
Nvidia Board of Directors
Officials Warn of Security Risks Involving Alice Huang
According to the New York Times, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio drafted a memo to top officials in the Trump administration warning that the Nvidia CEO was in a close relationship with the Chinese citizen.
Intelligence officials believed Alice Huang was hired to collect information for Beijing’s Ministry of State Security. There were fears that Megaspeed could serve as a backdoor for the transfer of export-controlled Nvidia chips to China.
As of last year, U.S. officials did not believe Huang was aware of the alleged intelligence activities being conducted by Alice Huang. However, the reported relationship has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers.
Three House Republican committee leaders issued a letter stating that recent reports suggest the People's Republic of China could access sensitive U.S. information and technology. Consequently, members of Congress requested that Huang appear later this month to discuss Nvidia’s security protocols against foreign espionage.
The scrutiny arrives as Nvidia remains a central player in AI infrastructure, supplying chips to developers such as Meta and OpenAI. The company’s advanced semiconductors, such as the H200, have been subject to Washington’s export restrictions due to concerns over China’s technological edge. In January, the Trump administration said it would allow Nvidia to sell its H200 chips to Chinese customers under certain conditions.
Corporate Continuity
Nvidia has confirmed that Jensen Huang will remain in his role as CEO throughout the duration of the investigation. A company spokesperson told Semafor that the current news will not slow the company and that Huang is committed to leading the firm without interruption.
Regarding the national security implications, the CEO pledged his full cooperation with the board’s inquiry. Jensen Huang stated that regarding the national security concerns raised in news reports, Nvidia’s Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation, and that he supports the investigation and will cooperate fully.
He also stated that he loves his country and his company, is committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America’s national security, and is proud and grateful to be an American.
Earlier coverage: Nvidia Board Probes Jensen Huang Over Suspected Chinese Spy Link
