Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to an extramarital affair amid reports that he was targeted by a suspected Chinese intelligence operation.

The revelation has triggered a major controversy, prompting Nvidia’s board of directors to launch an independent investigation into possible national security concerns.

According to reports by The New York Times and Axios, Huang had a close relationship with Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman and former executive at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed.

US intelligence officials reportedly suspected Alice Huang of working for Chinese intelligence and gathering information about Nvidia’s advanced artificial intelligence chips.

However, the espionage allegations have not been publicly established, and there is no confirmed evidence that Nvidia’s confidential information was compromised.

In an email to Nvidia employees, Jensen Huang admitted that he had been unfaithful to his wife and apologised to his family and colleagues.

“I owe my family and all of you an apology,” he wrote.

“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.”

The Nvidia chief accepted full responsibility for his actions and said he hoped to regain the trust of his family.

He also apologised to Nvidia employees, board members, business partners and shareholders.

Huang said leading Nvidia was the privilege of his life and promised to work towards restoring confidence in his leadership.

Addressing the national security concerns, Huang said he would fully cooperate with the independent investigation initiated by Nvidia’s board.

The company confirmed on November 8 that a committee of independent directors, assisted by outside legal counsel, would examine the allegations.

Importantly, Nvidia’s board said it had no reason to believe that either US national security or the company’s secrets had been compromised.

The board also expressed confidence in Huang and his leadership team.

The controversy centres on Alice Huang’s alleged connections with Chinese intelligence agencies and her previous association with Megaspeed.

US authorities had reportedly been examining whether Megaspeed helped Chinese companies obtain advanced Nvidia AI chips despite American export restrictions.

Before admitting to the affair, Huang had maintained that his business interactions with Megaspeed executives were normal and related to the company’s commercial activities.

He had also stated that he was not informed by US authorities about their suspicions concerning Alice Huang.

The issue has attracted attention in Washington, with senior US lawmakers seeking information about Nvidia’s security practices and Huang’s reported relationship with the businesswoman.

Despite the controversy, Nvidia has indicated that Huang will continue serving as CEO without interruption.

The independent investigation will now examine whether the alleged foreign intelligence operation posed any threat to Nvidia or American national security.

What began as a personal controversy has now become a sensitive national security issue involving one of the world’s most influential technology companies.