NVIDIA's Jensen Huang Admits Affair As Board Probes China Spy Claims
NVIDIA's Board has launched an investigation over the possibility that company co-founder and CEO, Jensen Huang, may have been the target of a foreign spy campaign.
In a public letter, Jensen admitted to and apologized for having an extramarital affair amid allegations that the woman involved was recruited by Chinese intelligence to gather information about the chipmaker. The revelation has prompted NVIDIA's Board of Directors to launch an independent investigation into whether Jensen was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. In a letter to employees, Jensen said he supports the investigation and will cooperate fully, adding that he is committed to "supporting America's national security."
"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," Jensen states in his letter.
He goes on to say that he takes full responsibility for what he did and accepts any subsequent criticism over his actions. However, the bigger issue as it relates to national security concerns is whether the person he had an affair with, Alice Huang (no relation to Jensen), is a Chinese spy.
"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," NVIDIA's Board said in a statement.
The controversy surrounding @NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang raises legitimate questions, but perspective matters here. Huang's leadership and NVIDIA's identity are deeply intertwined. His vision, technical instincts and execution have been central to the company's rise as the driving force behind today's AI infrastructure. The allegations deserve a thorough investigation, particularly regarding any potential compromise of sensitive information or outside influence. However, there's no public evidence establishing either at this point. Huang's foundational contributions to NVIDIA and the broader technology industry are undeniable, and I don't see this controversy changing that reality.
— David Altavilla (@DaveAltavilla) November 9, 2026
Jensen's relationship with Ms. Huang was brought to light last month by The New York Times, whom the outlet described as a businesswoman recruited to collect intelligence on NVIDIA's chief executive as part of a broader campaign to learn about American AI chips.
NVIDIA designs and sells some of the most advanced silicon in the world. In more recent years, NVIDIA pivoted from primarily designing gaming GPUs to focusing on cutting-edge AI accelerators and full-stack solutions spanning both hardware and software. NVIDIA is a major force driving rapid AI factory buildouts and now generates the bulk of its revenue from its Data Center division. In Q2, for example, the Data Center division accounted for $22.6 billion of the firm's $26 billion total for the quarter.
"To my colleagues at NVIDIA, including those I have worked alongside for decades, and to our board, partners, and shareholders around the world: you deserve better from me. 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," Jensen states in his letter.
For now, NVIDIA's Board says it has confidence in Jensen and his leadership team, but it is taking the allegations seriously. A committee of independent directors, assisted by outside legal counsel, will oversee the investigation and review the available evidence.
