‘I was unfaithful to my wife’: Nvidia CEO’s letter to employees amid Chinese spy honeytrap scandal

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to having an extramarital affair with a woman suspected of operating as a Chinese spy even as the technology giant has launched an independent investigation into allegations.

In an email addressed to Nvidia employees, Huang acknowledged his infidelity, apologised for his actions and pledged full cooperation with the company's investigation.

“I owe my family and all of you an apology. 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,” Huang wrote.

The New York Times had earlier reported on Huang's alleged relationship with a Chinese businesswoman identified as Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le. According to the report, the woman allegedly cultivated a close relationship with the Nvidia CEO and was suspected of passing advanced Nvidia AI chips and intelligence to Beijing.

“I take full responsibility for what I did and the hurt I caused, and I accept the criticism that comes with it,” Huang said in the letter.

He also apologised to Nvidia employees, board members, business partners and shareholders worldwide, acknowledging that his actions had fallen short of the standards expected of him as the company's chief executive.

“Leading NVIDIA is the privilege of my life. 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,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Nvidia's Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation into allegations that Huang was targeted as part of a foreign intelligence operation. The probe will be overseen by a special committee comprising independent directors, assisted by external independent legal counsel.

Huang has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation, reiterating his commitment to protecting the company and supporting US national security.

“I love our country and our company, and I am committed to protecting NVIDIA and supporting America's national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American,” he said.

The controversy has drawn attention to the potential national security implications of alleged foreign intelligence efforts targeting senior executives in the American technology industry.