Nvidia boss admits affair as board launches national security probe into spying allegations
Nvidia’s board of directors has opened an investigation into NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang after allegations that an extra-marital affair might have led to the leaking of company and state secrets.
In a statement on Sunday (8 November), the board said that a committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, will oversee the investigation. The board said it is prioritising US national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of NVIDIA and its shareholders.
While the board said it has no reason to believe that either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised, the inquiry will examine all available information.
In a separate email sent to NVIDIA employees on Sunday, Huang admitted that he had been unfaithful to his wife. He did not directly direct his infidelity to foreign intelligence operatives, but reporting from the BCC, Guardian, and New York Times all indicate she may have been a Chinese spy.
Huang’s email is included in full below:
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.
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.
To my wife and family: I love you. I know an apology cannot undo what I have done. I hope our family will heal and that, over time, I can earn back your trust.
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.
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.
My family bears no responsibility for my choices. I do. Please give them privacy.
Jensen
