Nvidia CEO Huang admits cheating on wife, backs probe into alleged Chinese spy links

NVIDIA Chief Executive Jensen Huang apologised to his family and employees for being unfaithful to his wife in a company-wide email, as the chipmaker's board launched an independent investigation into reports that he was targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation.

Huang said he took full responsibility for his actions and the hurt caused to his family, adding that he was committed to earning back the trust of employees, shareholders and business partners.

"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 said in the email, titled "A message to our company".

Addressing concerns over national security raised in media reports, Huang said he supported the board's investigation and would cooperate fully.

"I am committed to protecting NVIDIA and supporting America's national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American," he said.

The investigation follows a New York Times report last month that US intelligence agencies believed Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman with close ties to the NVIDIA chief, was acting on behalf of Beijing. The two are not related.

The newspaper, citing unnamed sources, reported that US intelligence agencies had monitored Alice Huang and concluded she was working for Chinese intelligence.

Surveillance reportedly uncovered communications between her and a US citizen, subsequently identified as Jensen Huang through a process known as "unmasking".

Alice Huang is linked to Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed, which has business ties with NVIDIA.

The company previously told the New York Times that its current leadership took the allegations seriously and had appointed external legal advisers to conduct an internal investigation.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said last month that the report was based on "groundless speculation" and was an attempt to smear China.

What NVIDIA said on the controversy

NVIDIA's board said in a statement on Sunday that a committee of independent directors, assisted by external legal counsel, would oversee the investigation.

"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," it said.

The board said that it had confidence in Huang and his leadership team.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, called Huang an honourable person, but added that he had not discussed the allegations with the NVIDIA chief.

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

Asked whether he regretted not acting on intelligence about the alleged Chinese operation, Trump said: "No, I don't think so. I think he's an honourable guy."

Trump also said he would be willing to take Huang on his upcoming trip to Asia.

Huang, who founded NVIDIA in 1993, has led the company through its transformation into the world's dominant supplier of chips used to develop and run artificial intelligence systems.