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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who has admitted to having an extramarital affair. /Photo by Park Sang-seon

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to having an extramarital affair and issued a public apology.

In an email sent to Nvidia employees on Sunday, Huang acknowledged that he had been unfaithful to his wife, saying his actions had hurt her and their children. He said there was no excuse for his behavior and expressed deep remorse. 

Huang has faced allegations of having a romantic relationship with Alice Huang, also known by her Chinese name Huang Le, a Chinese businesswoman suspected of working for China's Ministry of State Security (MSS).

Huang said his family had given him love and support throughout his life, but he had failed to show them the honesty and loyalty they deserved. He acknowledged that his actions had damaged the life they had built together.

He also accepted full responsibility for his behavior and the pain it had caused, saying he was prepared to face criticism.

Addressing his family directly, Huang expressed his love for them and acknowledged that an apology could not undo the harm he had caused. He said he hoped his family would heal and that he could gradually regain their trust.

Huang also apologized to Nvidia employees, the board of directors, business partners and shareholders.

"Leading NVIDIA is the privilege of my life," Huang said.

He acknowledged that he had failed in his responsibility to serve those who placed their trust in him and to live up to their expectations. He reaffirmed his commitment to Nvidia and pledged to work toward regaining their confidence. 

Addressing recent reports that he had been targeted by a foreign intelligence agency, Huang said Nvidia's board had launched an independent investigation.

He expressed support for the investigation and pledged his full cooperation. Huang also emphasized his love for the United States and Nvidia, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the company and supporting U.S. national security.

In a separate statement Sunday, Nvidia's board of directors confirmed that it had launched an independent investigation following reports that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.

The investigation will be overseen by a committee of independent directors with assistance from independent outside legal counsel.

The board said it placed the highest priority on U.S. national and economic security, while emphasizing that it currently had no reason to believe either national security or Nvidia's confidential information had been compromised.

The board said its investigation would examine all available information related to the matter.

It also reaffirmed its confidence in Huang and Nvidia's leadership team, adding that it would provide further updates as appropriate. 

                                                                                                             Jeong A-reum