"I'm a Piece of Trash," He Berates Himself... 'AI King' Jensen Huang Falls Amid Affair Scandal

Steps Down as CEO After 33 Years Amid Affair Allegations
"I Don't Care," He Says Resignedly... Berates and Blames Himself

Jensen Huang, who stepped down as NVIDIA CEO after leading the company for 33 years amid an affair scandal, reportedly experienced extreme psychological pressure just before his resignation. Known for his strong drive and charisma, Huang appeared resigned during the process and was recently said to have berated himself as a "piece of trash."

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, greet employees at the group's Yangjae headquarters in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on June 8. Photo by Yoon Dongju

On November 13 (local time), Bloomberg reported that "Huang denied allegations of an affair and spent weeks trying to hold on to his CEO position, but ultimately stepped down, letting everything go."

According to the report, Huang acted very differently from usual as he decided to resign on the night of November 11. A source familiar with the situation said Huang had lost his characteristic assertiveness and repeatedly said, "Whatever happens, I don't care" and "I don't care."

'AI Emperor' Jensen Huang Falls from Grace Amid Affair Scandal

For decades, Huang was known as an executive who took a close interest in every detail, from semiconductor design to compensation systems for new employees, as he grew NVIDIA into a multitrillion-dollar AI semiconductor company.

Jensen Huang, former CEO of Nvidia. AFP-Yonhap News

But those around Huang saw a different side of him when he resigned. Bloomberg reported that he seemed completely broken and had lost his characteristic energy. People who spoke with Huang in recent days said he regretted his actions and at times called himself a "piece of trash."

Huang's departure came suddenly, despite his having been regarded as a leading figure in the global AI industry just two weeks earlier. He had built a close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump through his characteristically blunt manner and strong drive, and had also wielded influence over global technology policy. He had demonstrated his global influence by receiving enthusiastic public welcomes during overseas trips.

In an email to employees following Huang's departure, NVIDIA Board Chair Harvey C. Jones said, "Jensen's contributions to NVIDIA have been immense," adding that "NVIDIA is one of the most important technology companies in the world."

Huang did not respond to Bloomberg's request for comment.

Jensen Huang Faces Congressional Testimony: "My Wife Is What Worries Me Most"

Huang is expected to remain embroiled in the controversy even after his departure. The publication reported that "in the coming weeks, he is expected to appear before the U.S. Congress and testify about his relationship with Alice Huang (Chinese name: Huang Le), who is suspected of being a Chinese spy, and whether there was a risk that classified information about NVIDIA's advanced semiconductor technology could have been leaked."

People who spoke with Huang recently said he seemed no longer concerned about his own future or what might happen next. However, he was most worried about his wife and reportedly indicated that he did not want to ruin the lives of the women linked to him romantically.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.