Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to having an affair with a woman suspected by US intelligence of working as a Chinese spy. He admitted in an email to employees on Sunday, November 8, as the company’s board announced an independent investigation into the allegations.

The controversy emerged on November 7 after The New York Times reported that Alice Huang had developed a close relationship with Jensen Huang. She was reportedly an executive at Asian technology firm Megaspeed International. US intelligence officials allegedly informed the Trump administration that they believed she had been recruited by a Chinese intelligence agency to gather information from Huang for Beijing’s Ministry of State Security.

In his email to Nvidia employees, Jensen Huang acknowledged the affair and apologised to his family and colleagues. He also reaffirmed his commitment to the company and promised to regain their trust.

"I was unfaithful to my wife," Jensen Huang wrote. "My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry.

"Throughout my life, my family has given me love and support. They deserve my honesty and loyalty. Instead, I let them down and damaged the life we built together. I take full responsibility for what I did and the hurt I caused, and I accept the criticism that comes with it.

"To my colleagues at Nvidia, including those I have worked alongside for decades, our board, partners, and shareholders around the world: you deserve better from me. Leading Nvidia is the privilege of my life. My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to Nvidia and will work to earn back your confidence."

Meanwhile, Nvidia's Board of Directors announced on Sunday that it would launch an independent investigation after reports that the CEO had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.

"A committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, will oversee the investigation. The Board prioritises US national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of Nvidia and its shareholders.

“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. Jensen fully supports the review and has committed to cooperating with it.”