Nvidia cofounder Jensen Huang is at the center of a major scandal involving alleged affairs, suspected Chinese espionage and questions about his leadership.
Jensen, 63, cofounded Nvidia in 1993 and helped build the technology giant into a global tech powerhouse.
Nvidia is best known for producing the advanced computer chips that power artificial intelligence systems, making it hugely influential in the AI industry.
Jensen, who has been married to his wife, Lori Huang, since 1985, is facing scrutiny following reports about his personal relationships and a possible connection to a Chinese intelligence operation.
So, what exactly happened? Scroll on for everything to know about the Jensen Huang scandal.
What Are the Jensen Huang Affair Allegations?
Jensen admitted to cheating on his wife via a message to Nvidia employees sent on November 8.
In the statement, he apologized for being “unfaithful” to Lori and “letting down” his family. (The couple share two children.)
“There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry,” he wrote. “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.”
Jensen did not share additional details about his alleged affair or release any names of anyone involved.
Lori Huang and Jensen Huang. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
What Are the Chinese Spy Allegations?
Chinese businesswoman, Alice Huang, (no family relation to Jensen Huang) has been linked to Jensen. She is also known as Huang Le.
Speculation around the nature of their relationship has caused huge controversy.
According to reports, Jensen developed a personal relationship with Alice, who worked as an executive at Singapore-based company Megaspeed International.
Investigators reportedly raised concerns that she may have been a “honey trap,” potentially using her relationship with Jensen to gain access to sensitive business information.
However, the espionage allegations have not been publicly proven, and there is no established evidence that Jensen knowingly passed sensitive information to China or that Alice was acting as a spy.
China has rejected the espionage allegations, dismissing them as baseless. Alice has not publicly responded to the claims.
What Are the Other Affair Accusations Involving Jensen Huang?
Further allegations of more extra-marital affairs involving the tech billionaire have since emerged.
According to The New York Times, Jensen was also linked to Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice president of healthcare.
Reuters subsequently reported on November 12 that Jensen allegedly had an intimate relationship with another woman who worked at Nvidia. Her identity has not been publicly disclosed.
Reuters reported that efforts to reach the woman were unsuccessful, and Nvidia declined to comment.
Us reached out to Powell and Nvidia for further comment.
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What Was the Fallout of the Jensen Huang Scandal?
As Jensen continues to face backlash, he resigned as Nvidia CEO on November 12, after more than three decades leading the company.
“The Board and the company thank Jensen for his immeasurable contributions to the company and the industry,” Nvidia said in a news release announcing his resignation.
Chief financial officer Colette Kress was appointed interim CEO while the board attempts to find a permanent replacement.
Nvidia’s board reportedly launched an independent investigation into whether Jensen had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation and whether any confidential company information may have been compromised.