Nvidia has launched an independent investigation into whether its chief executive officer and co-founder, Jensen Huang, was targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation following reports of his relationship with a businesswoman suspected by US authorities of working for Beijing.

The company’s board announced the investigation on Sunday, November 8, 2026, after Huang admitted in a message to employees that he had been unfaithful to his wife.

Huang apologised to his family and colleagues, taking responsibility for his actions and expressing regret over the situation.

In its statement, Nvidia said a committee of independent directors, assisted by external legal counsel, would oversee the investigation.

The board said it had no reason to believe that US national security or Nvidia’s confidential information had been compromised but would examine all available information.

It added that Huang supported the investigation and had committed to cooperating fully.

The controversy followed a report by The New York Times alleging that Huang had developed a close personal relationship with Alice Huang, a former executive of Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed.

According to the report, US intelligence officials concluded that Alice Huang was working for Chinese intelligence and gathering information about the Nvidia chief and the company.

The allegations raised concerns about whether the relationship could have provided Beijing with access to sensitive information about Nvidia’s operations, business strategy and developments in the artificial intelligence industry.

Alice Huang is not related to Jensen Huang, according to reports.

Megaspeed, which purchases Nvidia artificial intelligence chips, has also attracted scrutiny over suspicions that it helped China obtain advanced semiconductor products restricted under US export controls.

The allegations have not been independently established in the public record, and the investigation is expected to examine whether any sensitive information was obtained or compromised.

In a message to Nvidia employees on Sunday, Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife and apologised for the impact of his actions.

He also told colleagues, board members, business partners and shareholders that he had fallen short of the responsibility placed on him.

Huang reaffirmed his commitment to Nvidia, saying he would work to regain the confidence of those affected by the controversy.

The 63-year-old executive has led Nvidia for more than three decades, overseeing its transformation into one of the world’s most influential technology companies and a leading supplier of chips used in artificial intelligence systems.

The Chinese government has rejected the allegations, describing claims of a spying operation involving Huang as unsubstantiated and an attempt to smear Beijing.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday that the allegations had no factual basis.

The response came as the controversy attracted attention in Washington, where concerns have been growing over China’s access to advanced American semiconductor technology.

US authorities have imposed export restrictions on some advanced Nvidia chips in an effort to limit China’s ability to develop sophisticated artificial intelligence and computing capabilities.

The controversy has also drawn the attention of US lawmakers.

Republican members of the House of Representatives had called on Huang to brief Congress about the allegations, citing concerns over China’s access to sensitive American technology and information.

US President Donald Trump, who was reportedly briefed about intelligence findings concerning Huang’s relationship approximately a year ago, said on Sunday that he had not discussed the allegations with the Nvidia chief.

Trump described Huang as an honourable person and expressed hope that the situation would be resolved.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment on the matter, describing it as an issue he could not discuss

The investigation comes at a sensitive time for Nvidia, whose position in the global artificial intelligence industry has made it a major player in the growing technology rivalry between the United States and China.

Huang has been central to the company’s rise and has previously advocated easing restrictions on the sale of advanced Nvidia chips to China.

The allegations could intensify scrutiny of the company’s dealings with Chinese businesses, particularly as Washington seeks to prevent sensitive semiconductor technology from reaching Beijing.

Analysts have also warned that uncertainty surrounding Huang’s position could affect investor confidence because of his central role in Nvidia’s leadership and business strategy.

However, the company’s board has expressed confidence in Huang and has not announced any decision to remove him.

The outcome of the independent investigation is expected to determine whether the reported relationship created any security or corporate risks for Nvidia.

For now, the company maintains that it has found no evidence that its secrets or US national security were compromised.