Nvidia Launches Investigation Into CEO Jensen Huang Following Affair With Alleged Chinese Spy

Nvidia has launched an independent investigation into CEO Jensen Huang after he admitted to having an affair with a suspected Chinese spy.

The tech giant's board confirmed the news in a statement today, saying that it is looking into its concerns "in light of recent reporting" that Huang has "been the target of a foreign intelligence effort." The update follows a late-October New York Times report, which stated the CEO had been unfaithful to his wife with an individual that U.S. intelligence believed to be involved in a Chinese spy plot.

The individual named in the report as having a relationship with Huang was Megaspeed executive and Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang or Huang Le. The CEO confirmed the affair in a letter sent to Nvidia staff (via BBC).

"I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children,” he said. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry."

"Regarding the national security concerns raised in news reports, Nvidia's Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation," he added. "I support the investigation and will cooperate fully.

"I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America's national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American."

Nvidia said that a committee of independent directors would oversee the effort with the assistance of outside independent counsel. The board said that it currently has "no reason to believe either national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised."

The full statement follows: "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.

"The Board prioritizes U.S. 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.

"Jensen fully supports the review and has committed to cooperating with it. The Board has confidence in Jensen and his leadership team and will provide further updates as appropriate."

Huang will remain Nvidia CEO as the investigation continues. The New York Times' report said that, as of last year, U.S. officials did not believe he was aware of Alice Huang's alleged intelligence activities for China.

Photo by Joel Saget / AFP via Getty Images.