Nvidia opens probe into Jensen Huang's relationship to alleged Chinese spy

Nvidia said on Nov. 8 that it is initiating an independent investigation after a media report alleged that CEO Jensen Huang had a close relationship with a Chinese businesswoman who passed information to Beijing.

In a message to Nvidia employees, Huang admitted to being unfaithful to his wife and took "full responsibility" for his actions.

The New York Times reported last month that U.S. authorities were investigating Alice Huang, a former executive of Singapore-based company Megaspeed, which buys AI chips from Nvidia. U.S. authorities have scrutinized Megaspeed over suspicions that it helped Beijing gain access to advanced AI chips that are barred from shipment to China.

"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. A committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, will oversee the investigation," Nvidia said.

The company said on Nov. 8 that, while its board has no reason to believe that either U.S. national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised, its inquiry will examine all available information. Huang fully supports the review and has committed to cooperating with it, it added.

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Huang said in a message to employees: "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."

Addressing his colleagues, board, partners, and shareholders, Huang said: "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."

An Nvidia spokesperson said Huang is "committed to continuing to lead NVIDIA as CEO without interruption."

Top Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have called on Huang to brief Congress this month about the report.

(Reporting by Sumedha Mukherjee in Bengaluru, Chris Thomas in Mexico City; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Chris Reese)