Nvidia launches investigation into CEO’s affair with suspected Chinese spy

US tech giant Nvidia has opened an independent investigation following reports its CEO Jensen Huang had a relationship with a suspected Chinese spy.

The company, one of the most valuable in the world, said its board had no reason to believe the company’s secrets or national security were compromised, adding that the CEO was committed to continuing to lead the company.

Separately, Jensen Huang admitted to having been “unfaithful” to his wife and apologised for hurting her and their children.

US intelligence officials believed that Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, who had a close relationship with Jensen Huang, was a spy for Beijing, according to a New York Times report.

Jensen Huang said he took “full responsibility” for what he did, adding that he had fallen short of his responsibilities to Nvidia’s employees, board and shareholders.

Nvidia is one of the world’s largest companies and seen as central to making the hardware for emerging AI technologies, and Jensen Huang has been in charge of it for more than 30 years.

He 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.”

His statement continued: “Regarding the national security concerns raised in news reports, Nvidia’s Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation. 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.”

A separate statement issued by Nvidia’s board of directors said it would begin an investigation in “light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort”.

It continued: “The Board prioritises US 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.”

US President Donald Trump said he had not spoken to the Nvidia boss since news of the investigation emerged.

“I just know he’s a fine person, but you never know what’s going on,” Trump told reporters, adding that he had “done an amazing job for our country”.

The New York Times reported in late October that Trump had been briefed last year on intelligence alleging Alice Huang was spying on China’s behalf.

Asked by reporters on Sunday whether he now wished he had “acted on the intelligence” at the time, Trump responded: “No, I don’t think so. I think he’s an honourable guy.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, refused to comment when asked about Huang before flying to Paris for a meeting of the G7.

Rubio told the press: “I can’t comment on any of that. I just can’t comment because of the nature of it. And I also can’t comment on an internal corporate matter that’s going on with Nvidia, as you highlight, I don’t know anything about that part of it so.”

Last spring, the secretary of state reportedly oversaw the drafting of a memo that warned the Trump administration about Huang’s relationship with the Chinese businesswoman, according to the New York Times.

China has previously rejected allegations of an espionage operation targeting the Nvidia chief, describing the claims as “groundless speculation”.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters at a daily press briefing: “We have already responded to this. The allegations about Chinese spies are entirely groundless, speculative and intended to smear and malign China.”