Nvidia to probe CEO’s ‘affair’ with alleged Chinese spy
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang reportedly had a relationship with a suspected Chinese spy. Photo: AAP
Tech giant Nvidia has opened an independent investigation amid reports its boss Jensen Huang had an alleged affair 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 US authorities were investigating Alice Huang, a former executive of Singapore-based company Megaspeed, which buys AI chips from Nvidia.
US authorities have scrutinised Megaspeed amid suspicions 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 on Monday (Australian time).
Axios reported on Sunday that Huang – in a draft email for employees – had admitted to having a romantic relationship with a suspected Chinese spy and took full responsibility for his actions.
The company said while its board had no reason to believe that either US national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised, its inquiry would examine all available information.
Huang fully supported the review and had committed to cooperating with it, it said.
“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,” he told employees.
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 was “committed to continuing to lead NVIDIA as CEO without interruption.
Top Republican politicians in the US House of Representatives have called on Huang to brief Congress this month about the report.
