Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Admits to Extramarital Affair as Company Launches Independent Probe
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to having an extramarital relationship with a female business executive. US intelligence agencies suspect the woman may have links to China. The company’s board has initiated an independent investigation into the matter.
Huang Apologises to Family and Nvidia Employees
On Sunday, November 8, Jensen Huang sent a message to Nvidia employees acknowledging his personal conduct and apologising to his wife, children and the company.
In the message, Huang admitted that he had been unfaithful to his wife and acknowledged that his actions had caused distress to his family. He said there was no justification for his behaviour and accepted full responsibility.
Huang also apologised to Nvidia employees and the company’s board of directors. He said he would continue to lead Nvidia and work to regain the trust of those affected.
Huang married his wife, Lori Huang, in 1985. The couple have two children. In his message to employees, Huang also requested that they respect his family’s privacy.
US Intelligence Agencies Suspect Alice Huang of Links to China
The controversy centres on Chinese national Alice Huang, also known as Huang Li, who previously held a senior position at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed.
Alice Huang has no family relationship with Jensen Huang. According to reports, US intelligence officials had received information suggesting that she might be connected to China's intelligence agency.
Officials reportedly suspected that she was being used to establish close contact with Jensen Huang and gather information. The reports also alleged that there could have been attempts to obtain information about Nvidia's business strategy and US chip export policy through her.
However, the espionage allegations against Alice Huang have not been publicly proven in court. China's Foreign Ministry has also rejected the claims as baseless.
Megaspeed-Linked Company Purchased More Than $4.8 Billion in AI Chip Equipment
Megaspeed has also emerged as a key part of the controversy. The company operates data centres and has used Nvidia chip-based computing systems.
According to reports, a Malaysian company linked to Megaspeed purchased Nvidia chip-based equipment worth more than approximately $4.8 billion between June 2024 and February 2026.
US officials suspect that advanced AI technology subject to American export restrictions may have reached Chinese companies through Megaspeed. The company has previously denied the allegations, maintaining that its operations comply with applicable laws and regulations.
The US has imposed restrictions on the sale of several advanced AI chips to China on national security grounds. Consequently, the investigation extends beyond the personal relationship of a business executive to potential national security and technology transfer concerns.
Nvidia Board Orders Independent Investigation
In a statement issued on November 8, Nvidia's board of directors confirmed that an independent investigation would be conducted into the matter.
A committee comprising independent directors has been established to oversee the investigation, with assistance from external legal experts.
The company said it currently had no reason to believe that US national security or Nvidia's confidential information had been compromised.
The board also expressed confidence in Huang's leadership. Huang has assured the company that he will fully cooperate with the investigation.
Nvidia said Huang would remain CEO and continue performing his responsibilities while the investigation is underway.
Shareholders File Proposed Class Action Lawsuit
The controversy has also reached a US court. According to Reuters, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed against Nvidia and Jensen Huang on Monday, November 9, on behalf of shareholders.
The lawsuit alleges that the company failed to disclose information to investors about Huang's alleged relationship and the potential national security risks arising from it.
Nvidia shares fell 4.3% on Monday. The decline reduced the company's market capitalisation by approximately $190 billion.
The independent investigation is expected to establish whether the matter was limited to personal relationships or whether Nvidia's sensitive business information was also exposed to potential risks.
