Huang sends email to employees; says leading Nvidia 'greatest privilege of my life'

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who recently acknowledged an extramarital affair with a woman suspected of being a spy for China's Ministry of State Security, is seen with Alice Huang — suspected of ties to the Chinese government — at a bar in Taipei in 2024. [Photo via LinkedIn]
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who recently acknowledged an extramarital affair with a woman suspected of being a spy for China's Ministry of State Security, is seen with Alice Huang — suspected of ties to the Chinese government — at a bar in Taipei in 2024. [Photo via LinkedIn]

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang has publicly apologized for an extramarital affair, saying there is "no excuse" for his actions.

On Sunday (local time), Nvidia posted on its website the full text of an email Huang sent that day to company employees under the subject line "A Message to the Company."

Huang opened the message by apologizing to his family and to everyone at the company.

"I betrayed my wife and had an affair," he wrote. "My actions have hurt my wife and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply and sincerely sorry."

Huang had faced allegations of a romantic relationship with Alice Huang — known in Chinese as Huang Le — a Chinese businessperson identified as an operative of China's Ministry of State Security.

"My family has given me love and support my entire life. They deserve my honesty and faithfulness. I failed them and damaged the life we built together," he said. He added that he would "take full responsibility" for his actions and the harm they caused, and that he would accept the criticism that followed.

Addressing his wife and family directly, Huang wrote: "I love you. I know that an apology alone cannot undo what I have done. I hope our family can heal, and that over time I can earn back your trust."

Huang also apologized to Nvidia's employees, board members, partners and shareholders. "Leading Nvidia has been the greatest privilege of my life," he wrote. "My responsibility is to serve you and to be worthy of your trust. I have not lived up to that responsibility. I remain fully committed to Nvidia and will work to regain your trust."

On recent reports that he had been targeted by a foreign intelligence agency, Huang said Nvidia's board had launched an independent investigation. "I support this investigation and will cooperate fully," he said. "I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting Nvidia and to supporting the national security of the United States."

Nvidia's board also issued a separate statement Sunday, announcing it had initiated an independent investigation into reports that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence agency.

The probe will be overseen by a committee of independent directors with the support of outside legal counsel. The board said it considers US national and economic security its top priority, adding that it currently has "no reason to believe that national security or Nvidia's confidential information has been compromised."

The board said all information related to the matter would be included in the scope of the investigation.

The board added that it retains confidence in Huang and the company's management, and that it would issue further statements if necessary.

[Below is the full text of Jensen Huang's apology]

*To my family and to all of you, I am sorry.*

*I betrayed my wife and had an affair. My actions have hurt my wife and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply and sincerely sorry.*

*My family has given me love and support my entire life. They deserve my honesty and faithfulness. But I failed them and damaged the life we built together. I take full responsibility for my actions and the pain they have caused, and I will accept the criticism that follows.*

*To my wife and family: I love you. I know that an apology alone cannot undo what I have done. I hope our family can heal, and that over time I can earn back your trust.*

*To all Nvidia employees — including colleagues I have worked alongside for decades — and to board members, partners and shareholders around the world: you deserve better from me.*

*Leading Nvidia has been the greatest privilege of my life. My responsibility is to serve you and to be worthy of your trust. I have not lived up to that responsibility. I remain fully committed to Nvidia and will work to regain your trust.*

*Regarding the national security concerns raised in recent media reports: Nvidia's board has initiated an independent investigation. I support this investigation and will cooperate fully.*

*I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting Nvidia and to supporting the national security of the United States. I am proud and grateful to be an American.*

*My family bears no responsibility for the choices I made. All responsibility is mine alone. I ask that you please respect my family's privacy.*


jshan@heraldcorp.com