Watch: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Admits to Having an Affair With Alleged Spy Alice Huang
Nvidia is powering advanced AI with a side of scandal.
In what sounds like a honey trap ripped straight from the pages of a James Bond novel, the tech company’s CEO Jensen Huang admitted to an extramarital affair with a woman the US government suspects to be a Chinese spy.
Yes, really. Jensen apologized for his actions in a message shared company-wide before being posted publicly.
“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 wrote in the Nov. 8 message, which did not name Alice. “Throughout my life, my family has given me love and support. They deserve my honesty and loyalty. Instead, I let them down and damaged the life we built together. I take full responsibility for what I did and the hurt I caused, and I accept the criticism that comes with it.”
While noting an apology can’t undo his actions, the 63-year-old—dad to two adult children—expressed hope he could earn back their trust over time.
The billionaire also addressed his Nvidia colleagues, noting standing at the helm of the AI infrastructure and gaming company has been the “privilege of my life.”
“My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust,” he added to the Nvidia employees and stakeholders. “I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to NVIDIA and will work to earn back your confidence.”
Matt RAMEY / AFP via Getty Images
As for why the affair posed a national security risk, multiple outlets including The New York Times and the Financial Times reported that the woman Jensen had the affair with was Alice Huang (no relation), a Chinese businesswoman the outlets said was recruited as a spy for China’s Ministry of State Security.
A personal familiar with the matter also confirmed to NBC News on Nov. 7 that U.S. intelligence agencies had determined that Alice was a Chinese spy and that she and Jensen had engaged in a relationship.
Alice, however, did not respond to The New York Times’ request for comment, nor has she issued a public statement. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun, meanwhile, said in a Nov. 9 statement, per The Associate Press, “The so-called Chinese spy allegation is unsubstantiated,” calling such claims “nothing but smears.”
Soeren Stache/picture alliance via Getty Images
In his personal statement, Jensen noted that Nvidia’s Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation, which was affirmed in a separate statement directly from the Board. Their statement also claimed the Board had no reason to believe that “either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised.”
As for his future at the company, it doesn’t look like Jensen will be left at a dead drop anytime soon.
As the Board of Directors statement noted, “The Board has confidence in Jensen and his leadership team and will provide further updates as appropriate.”
Meanwhile, Jensen affirmed he supports the Board’s investigation and will “cooperate fully.”
“I love our country and our company,” he added. “I am committed to protecting NVIDIA and supporting America’s national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American.”
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