Jensen Huang Accused of Third Affair After Nvidia Resignation
A new report alleges Jensen Huang had an intimate relationship with a second Nvidia employee, hours after he resigned as chief executive of the chipmaker.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Anderseidesvik, CC BY-SA 4.0
SANTA CLARA, California — Jensen Huang, who resigned as chief executive of Nvidia on Thursday, was accused the same day of a third extramarital relationship, this time with a second employee of the chipmaker, according to a report citing two people familiar with the matter. The allegation deepens the scandal that ended Huang's 33-year run at the head of the world's most valuable chipmaker.
The report said Huang, 63 and married, had an intimate relationship with another Nvidia employee. The woman was not identified.
Key Takeaways
- Two people familiar with the matter said Huang had an intimate relationship with a second Nvidia employee; the woman was not named and Nvidia declined to comment.
- It is the third reported relationship, after Alice Huang, a Singapore businesswoman suspected of links to Chinese intelligence, and Kimberly Powell, Nvidia's vice president of healthcare.
- Huang resigned on Thursday, November 12, effective immediately; chief financial officer Colette Kress is interim chief executive while the board seeks a permanent successor.
- Nvidia shares fell 4.3 percent on Thursday after dropping almost 14 percent in early trading, and lawmakers in both parties are demanding testimony and briefings.
What Is the Third Affair Allegation Against Jensen Huang?
The latest report, published hours after Huang's resignation was announced, said the former chief executive was intimately involved with a second employee of the company. It did not name her, give her role, or say when the relationship took place. The two sources were described only as people familiar with the matter, and the report said the woman could not be reached for comment.
The allegation follows two earlier reported relationships: Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed International, and Kimberly Powell, 48, Nvidia's vice president of healthcare. US intelligence officials suspect Alice Huang of working for Chinese intelligence, though the Justice Department has not reached a conclusion.
How the Nvidia Scandal Unfolded Before Huang's Resignation
Huang admitted on November 8, in a message to Nvidia employees, that he had been unfaithful to his wife, without naming anyone. The board initially expressed confidence in him and appointed the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to investigate.
On Wednesday, November 11, five Nvidia employees described a relationship between Huang and Powell. The board met that night, and on Thursday morning Nvidia announced his resignation as president, chief executive and board member, effective immediately.
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| November 8 | Huang admits infidelity; board orders Wachtell Lipton review |
| November 11 | Five Nvidia employees describe the Powell relationship |
| November 12 | Huang resigns; Kress named interim chief executive |
| November 12 | Third alleged relationship with a second employee reported |
What Happens Next for Nvidia After Huang's Resignation?
Colette Kress, Nvidia's chief financial officer, will run the company on an interim basis while the board searches for a permanent chief executive. The board also named Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever chair.
Congressional scrutiny is widening. Senate Banking Committee chairman Tim Scott asked Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify on December 3, and House committee chairmen asked Huang to appear on November 18. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has demanded a full accounting of what the White House knew about the alleged spying and about chip exports to China.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Thursday that the Justice Department had not yet determined whether Alice Huang was a Chinese spy. Beijing has denied the allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the third woman Jensen Huang is accused of having an affair with?
She has not been named. Two people familiar with the matter said Huang had an intimate relationship with a second Nvidia employee, and attempts to reach her were unsuccessful.
Did Jensen Huang admit to the third affair?
No. Huang admitted on November 8 that he had been unfaithful to his wife, in a message to Nvidia employees, without naming anyone. He has not commented on the other two reports.
Is Alice Huang a Chinese spy?
US intelligence officials suspect Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed International, of having links to Chinese intelligence, but the Justice Department has not reached a conclusion. The FBI is investigating the reports.
Who is running Nvidia after Jensen Huang resigned?
Chief financial officer Colette Kress is interim chief executive, and Harvey C. Jones is the board's first-ever chair. Nvidia reports third-quarter earnings on November 17.
Nvidia has not yet replied to requests for comment on the latest report. The December 3 hearing request is the next formal milestone.
